Brenda Lyle – Florida Today
Q: Can my lifestyle contribute to my brain health?
A: As we age, our awareness of mental health increases, and strategies to support brain function become increasingly important. A holistic approach involves not only physical health, but also emotional, social, and intellectual engagement. Let’s see what a brain-healthy lifestyle means for your overall well-being and cognitive longevity.
Nutrition plays a huge role in brain health. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats supports memory, focus, and long-term brain function. The Mediterranean and MIND diets (both high in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and fiber) are linked to a reduced risk for Alzheimer’s disease. Leafy greens, berries, fish, nuts, and olive oil help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress –both associated with neurodegenerative diseases. Also important? Stay hydrated and limit processed foods, sugar and alcohol.
Volunteering offers meaningful engagement that benefits your mental and emotional health. Helping others increases feelings of purpose, reduces depression, and stimulates brain regions related to empathy and social cognition. It often requires planning, communication, and problem-solving—activities that keep the mind sharp. The human connections help combat loneliness, a major risk factor for cognitive decline.
Community events provide additional opportunities! Attend a lecture, join a book or social club, or enjoy a cultural festival to challenge your brain to process new information and engage with different perspectives. Staying connected helps build a network of support and keeps the brain agile. The annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s is a great example of how to gather socially AND give back to the community.
Participating in research studies allows you to contribute to the science of brain health while benefiting from access to cutting-edge assessments and interventions. Many people don’t realize that clinical trials and observational studies often look for healthy volunteers to better understand aging, cognition, and brain disease. Participants learn a bit about their own cognitive health while helping researchers discover preventive strategies, early interventions, and potential treatments.
Brain games are fun! –And a practical tool for maintaining mental sharpness. Puzzles, games, logic challenges, and even certain video games can help improve mental processing speed, attention, and memory. While no game can prevent a cognitive disorder, consistent mental stimulation encourages the brain to reorganize and form new neural connections. Brain games are not only enjoyable, but a valuable tool in your wellness toolbox, when used alongside physical activity, good sleep, and healthy diet.
Over a lifetime, these practices nurture cognitive abilities and build resilience against decline. Ready to learn more? Don’t miss A Brain-Healthy Lifestyle: What the Research Shows on Monday, July 28 in Viera. Go to OneSeniorPlace.com/events or call 321-751-6771 to RSVP.
Brenda Lyle is a Certified Care Manager and Certified Dementia Practitioner with One Senior Place, Greater Orlando. One Senior Place is a marketplace for resources and provider of information, advice, care and on-site services for seniors and their families. Submit your questions to AskOSP@OneSeniorPlace.com. For immediate help, call 321-751-6771 or visit One Senior Place, The Experts in Aging.
