From apps to supplements, there is no shortage of tools out there said to help improve your brain health and memory. And while these things might seem like simple solutions for boosting your brain power, it turns out that engaging your brain daily might not need to be as complicated as you might think.
According to Sandhya Misra, M.D., a geriatric medicine specialist at Henry Ford Health, the value of memory training is widely debated by researchers, and study results are inconsistent. While the use of apps to play digital games can’t hurt, there are other activities your provider might recommend first.
“Digital brain games and memory training are not likely to harm you, except by promoting a sedentary lifestyle,” Dr. Misra says. “If you really want to improve your thinking and memory skills, it is better to focus on activities that will increase blood flow to the brain and body.”
The benefit of memory boosting supplements is met with even more uncertainty, since dietary supplements are not subject to approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The National Institute on Aging advises caution on using any supplements or pills promising to improve memory. Without regulation, these could be harmful and might interfere with other medicines or treatments.
Here Dr. Misra shares easy ways to engage your brain health each day to ward off memory loss and cognitive decline.
Memory Boosting 101
Caring For Your Brain As You Age
- Express your creativity. Whether it's coloring, crafting, baking or playing a musical instrument, getting creative stimulates brain activity. Plus, it can be fun and a great stress reliever.
- Learn something new. It is never too late to pick up a new hobby, learn a new word or language, or try out a new sport. Developing new skills like learning new information can help keep your mind sharp.
- Get moving. Whether it is a quick walk around the block, a bodyweight workout at home or low-resistance aerobics in the pool or at the gym, physical activity promotes blood flow to areas of the brain that are responsible for memory, learning and problem solving.
- Sing a song. Make a point to sing or hum some of your favorite songs throughout the day. Listening to music and singing helps activate several parts of the brain at the same time – boosting your mood and improving on your deep brain recall.
- Eat a nutritious diet. Prioritize fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins in your meals and snacks. Certain nutrient-dense foods like berries, fatty fish and nuts can help build new brain cells.
- Take a dance break. Dancing promotes a mind-body connection that often declines with age and memory changes. Whether you want to sign up for a dance class or get moving a little bit in the comfort of your home, loosening up and moving around a bit is a great way to keep your mind sharp.
- Switch up your routine. While routines can be a great way to help people with significant cognitive decline and dementia, if you are looking to challenge yourself, consider switching things up. Change with hand you use to brush your teeth, take a different route to the store, or add in a spontaneous activity like trying out a new recipe or getting a coffee from a local shop instead of making your own.
- Challenge yourself with brain games. Any activity that challenges you to think in different ways counts as a brain game – it’s just a matter of finding out which option you like best! You might try out board games, puzzles, crosswords or trivia.
- Stay connected. Many older adults struggle with social isolation and maintaining meaningful connections with others. However, social connections are critical for your mental and cognitive health.
If you or someone you love is experiencing memory loss, talk with a health care provider about your concerns. Dr. Misra says, “While there is no drug or treatment to prevent Alzheimer’s, there are prescription medications that can be effective in slowing disease progress when treated early.”
Reviewed by Dr. Sandhya Misra, a geriatric and internal medicine physician who sees patients at Henry Ford Geriatrics – Grosse Pointe Cottage Building.
