mbrf-cognitive-aging-explained v4.0 - Flipbook - Page 4
OPTIMIZING COGNITIVE HEALTH
Optimizing Cognitive Health
A growing body of scientific research suggests the following factors
promote cognitive health as you age:
Maintain your physical health.
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Get health screenings as
recommended for your age.
Talk with your doctor about the
medicines you take and discuss the
possible side effects they may have
on your memory, sleep and brain
function.
Manage high blood pressure and other
vascular conditions.
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Don’t smoke or use other nicotine
products.
Preventing or controlling high blood
pressure may help your brain in
addition to your heart.
Observational studies have shown
having high blood pressure in
midlife – from your 40’s to early 60’s –
increases the risk of cognitive decline
later in life.
Get enough sleep – aiming for 7-8
hours every night.
Keep your mind active.
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Staying intellectually engaged is one
of the most powerful things you can
do to maintain brain health.
Reading books; playing games, like
chess; solving crosswords; or learning
a new skill, like a foreign language or
photography can reduce your risk of
developing cognitive impairment.
