10 Ways To Keep Your Brain Healthy (And Prevent Mental Decline That Could Lead To Dementia) | HuffPost Life

10 Ways To Keep Your Brain In Tip Top Shape

Natasha Hinde— The Huffington Post UK

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If you've recently put your slippers in the fridge and are worried that your grey matter isn't getting enough stimulation, then keep reading.

“The brain, just like the body, needs exercise as well as periods of rest," says Deborah Stone, MD of My Ageing Parent.

"And just as you wouldn’t do just one exercise to keep physically trim and fit, the same is true with keeping mentally alert and on top of your game."

"Variety is key," says Stone. "Always remember: use it or lose it!”

A recent study found that getting older does not necessarily mean losing brain power.

In fact, the research by Massachusetts General Hospital's Center for Human Genetic Research found we all peak at different times, with many of us reaching the height of our powers in our 60s, 70s and beyond.

Stone tells HuffPost UK Lifestyle that the brain is a muscle and with regular "exercise", it will become "fitter" while also improving memory function.

She adds: "It could prevent dementia, but there is no guarantee. Using your brain as a muscle is the same as using any other muscle in the body. If you work it, you stimulate it and make it perform better."

So without further ado, here are 10 ways you can do just that.

10 Tips For Keeping Your Brain Healthy

1. Challenge Yourself(01 of10)

It’s all too easy to remain in your comfort zone, but learning a new skill, language or musical instrument will not only stimulate the little grey cells but enrich your life too. (credit:Vstock LLC/Sarah M. Golonka via Getty Images)

2. Do Something Different(02 of10)

Everyday routines drain our brains, so change things about.

From the routes you take to the shops or work, to what you cook for dinner, the changes you make can be big or small, but encourage yourself to step away from the norm. (credit:Lynn Koenig via Getty Images)

3. Learn To Relax(03 of10)

Although it is important to challenge yourself, you must also take time to refresh and unwind.

Our brains require time to process information deeply in order to learn from our daily experiences.

It may sound obvious, but relaxing reduces stress and the over-production of brain chemicals and hormones, such as cortisol, which in large quantities can negatively affect parts of the brain. (credit:Tom Merton via Getty Images)

4. Turn On And Turn It Up!(04 of10)

Watching too much TV can dull brain programming.

Instead, put on your favourite music playlist, turn the volume up and really listen to it rather than just have it as background sound.

Research shows that music can lower stress hormones which impede memory and increase feelings of well-being. (credit:Jose Luis Pelaez Inc via Getty Images)

5. Reorganise Your Environment(05 of10)

More mess leads to more stress! Revamp your home or workplace by de-cluttering and provide mental space for creativity and renewal. (credit:bopav via Getty Images)

6. Enjoy A Lie-In(06 of10)

Research shows that when you’re persistently sleep-deprived, your body doesn’t have the time to build proteins, which can damage your brain.

So go to bed early and, once a week, give yourself a treat and stay in bed for an extra hour or so. (credit:Troels Graugaard via Getty Images)

7. Use Your Weaker Hand(07 of10)

When was the last time you tried to write, draw or even stir your tea with your weaker hand?

Doing day-to-day activities with your "other" hand can drive your brain to make positive changes, as it requires the brain to pay close attention to a normally unconscious behaviour. (credit:FogStock/Alin Dragulin via Getty Images)

8. Keep Active(08 of10)

Exercise can improve our energy levels and immune system, as well as our sense of wellbeing, sleep, and brain health.

Again, variety can be key, and taking up a new activity – be it yoga, swimming, Nordic walking or kick boxing – is invigorating and pushes us to learn new disciplines.

Nervous about something new? Take a friend along to encourage you and so you can both make changes in your life. (credit:Assembly via Getty Images)

9. Ditch The Caffeine, Switch To Water(09 of10)

Although coffee or tea will give you an immediate boost, too many cups can be harmful for your brain.

Sipping water can be remarkably helpful when your energy levels are ebbing or your concentration is starting to dip. (credit:Indeed via Getty Images)

10. Have Fun(10 of10)

Finally, just in case this has all sounded a bit serious so far, the tenth tip is to simply: “have fun”.

Socialising and spending happy time with friends and family enables the sharing of experiences, challenges, emotions, trust, and understanding.

Research shows that people with five or more regular social ties halved their risk of cognitive decline compared to those with no social ties. (credit:kristian sekulic via Getty Images)

SEE ALSO:
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Sixty Is The New Fifty Dahling: Study Shows You're Not Middle-Aged Until You Hit 60
How Two Minutes High-Intensity Training (HIT) Per Week Can Boost Pensioners' Health

Nutrients For The Aging Brain

Cocoa Flavanols(01 of08)

Found in cocoa beans and abundant in servings of dark chocolate, a recent study suggests they could even reverse age-related memory decline. (credit:shutterstock)

Omega-3 Fatty Acids(02 of08)

This illustrious nutrient is well known for the bouquet of benefits it presents and cognitive health is no exception. It's found in salmon, bluefish, anchovies, herring, mackerel, sardines, sturgeon, lake trout, tuna, flaxseed oil, canola oil, walnuts, soybean oil and chia seeds. (credit:shutterstock)

Phosphatidylserine And Phosphatidic Acid(03 of08)

Two pilot studies have given these nutrients high marks for senior brain health. The first is found most abundantly in soy lecithin, and also in mackerel, herring, eel and tuna and it's available in supplement format. Popular with body builders, phosphatidic acid is available in supplement form, usually derived from soy. (credit:shutterstock)

Walnuts(04 of08)

Adding walnuts to your diet regularly could slow the progression of Alzheimer's, a mouse study suggests. (credit:shutterstock)

Citicoline(05 of08)

Foods are not a good source of citicoline, according to WebMD, but many people take a supplement of this compound --which is very similar to choline -- and well-documented for its neurological health benefits.

Choline(06 of08)

Good sources include meat, specifically liver, beans, cruciferous vegetables and eggs. It's essential for liver health and for women and it's close in structure to the B vitamins. It aids in the development of brain tissue, according to Ohr.

Magnesium(07 of08)

Recommended for those who suffer concussions, it's found in avocado, soybeans, bananas and dark chocolate and is available in supplemental forms.

Blueberries(08 of08)

Well known as an anti-inflammatory agent, studies have shown that even moderate consumption could increase neural signaling in the brain.

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