10 Feb 2012

Five habits that might save your brain

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It’s predicted that by the year 2050 the number of Aussies living with degenerative cognitive disorders could increase fourfold. Get proactive with these five preventative moves that shield the brain. By Rosie Brogan.

Brain health

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Habit #1 Love to learn
Brain health advocates have long championed learning’s ability to help build and sustain neural connections. Research backs up this protective effect. Particularly in older people (75+), studies have suggested that increased cognitive activities during leisure time reduces the risk of developing a mild brain impairment.

What are you waiting for? Enroll in that Spanish class!

Habit #2 Choose complex work when you can
Challenging work – that is, either people- or data-based – may also lower your risk of cognitive degeneration. This finding was underscored by a large Swedish study of twins that examined 10,079 people.

Here’s one more reason to put your hand up for a difficult project at work, or to take up an evening course in a mentally stimulating topic – such as anatomy or International Development (something you find fascinating but a little daunting).

Habit #3 Make time to be social
Although scientists aren’t completely all over the reasons why, loneliness and social isolation later in life are associated with higher risk of cognitive decline – in fact, some studies suggest the risk is nearly double that posed for socially active individuals.

If you’re finding your social circle a bit thin, try connecting online to find people in your area who share similar interests. For instance, the Heart Foundation runs and helps you find walking groups in your area – visit heartfoundation.org.au/active-living/walking

Habit #4 Take in a pet
Woof! A review of nine studies that probed the effects of dog interaction upon brain health suggested that when adults spent time with these pets, participants became more sociable and less agitated – and it didn’t matter how much cognitive decline he or she already showed. What’s more, overall brain function improved, too.

If you’re tempted, contact RSPCA and see if there’s a pooch out there with your name on its tag. Or, if that’s too extreme, put your hand up to dog sit for a friend planning an extended holiday.

Habit #5 Don’t worry, be happy
To live a long life (and sustain a healthy brain), be a glass-half-full kind of person. Personality tests of Japanese centenarians found a plethora of optimistic attitudes; other tests revealed that neurotic personalities tend to go hand-in-hand with a higher risk of cognitive decline. Extraversion on the other hand, is associated with a lower risk of brain impairment.

Negative moods can be contagious, so where possible, surround yourself with positive, happy and energetic friends and family.

References available on request

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