COGNITIVE
ENHANCEMENT TIPS
Throughout our lives, our brains are changing. Developing our brain health through diverse and engaging activities can enhance our cognitive skills, and may improve memory, concentration, information processing, and motor function. This can greatly delay the onset of dementia and neurodegenerative diseases. In addition to brain and memory activities, physical strengthening and exercise stimulates neuronal health and vitality and stimulates formation of new connections between brain cells. Physical exercise also stimulates the release of neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and dopamine that are involved in regulating mood and attention. It also increases the levels of serotonin, endorphins and anandamide which can enhance mood and reduce anxiety.
It is important to make physical activity an ongoing part of your life no matter what your age is.
Recommendations:
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Aerobic exercise can improve brain processing and memory and plays a key role in reducing neurodegeneration.
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Meditation and mindfulness practices can improve attention, memory, speech, cognitive flexibility, and potentially increase cognitive capacity.
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A diet rich in antioxidants from vegetables, fruits and no sugar can protect the brain cells against damage from oxidative stress and free radicals and reduce the risk of dementia.
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Social relationships and engagement can have a positive effect on mood and health by buffering stress response and delaying cognitive decline.
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Cognitively stimulating leisure activities, such as word games, puzzles, gardening, learning new language, reading books, or online subscriptions for mind exercises, can have long lasting results on cognition and prevent dementia.
Take home note:
Consistent stimulation of our brain creates new connections and is a powerful tool in developing our cognitive function. As our brains continue to mature during our lifetime, these techniques may help to positively enhance our performance. Eat healthy, be very active, and train your brain every single day.