TRONDHEIM, Norway — What is the best way to maintain optimal brain health as we age? There are countless studies detailing ways to prevent cognitive decline, so scientists in Norway sought to simplify the science of managing sound brain health to three recommendations.
“The keys to our nervous system are the gray and white matter”, says Hermundur Sigmundsson, a professor in the Department of Psychology at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), in a college throw.
The gray matter is made up of nerve cells (neurons) and dendrites, while the white matter acts by facilitating contact between cells (myelinated axons) and contributes to the speed of transmission and distribution of signals. If you can keep your white and gray matter “in shape,” cognition, thinking skills and memory it should work without problems too.
This report is a kind of summary covering modern science’s current understanding of how best to grow robust brain health. The NTNU team cites 101 references to previous articles in this latest theoretical perspective paper.
“Three factors stand out if you want to keep your brain at its best,” adds Professor Sigmundsson.
The three identified keys to strong brain health are:
Simple, right? Let’s analyze each factor a little more.
Physical activity
It is common knowledge that spend all day on the couch is not healthy for the body, but physical activity is also key to brain health “An active lifestyle helps develop the central nervous system and counteract brain aging,” according to the study’s authors.
The researchers add that consistency is essential. Do your best to get at least a little bit of movement every day. Even if you have a sedentary job that takes a lot of time to sit, move around every hour or so for a few minutes at least.
Social activity
Some people are naturally more social than others, but the researchers stress that no one is an island. Even if you prefer a quiet night in over a party, make an effort to stay in touch with the people you care about. Our brains thrive in social interactions and connections.
“Relationships with and interaction with other people contribute to a number of complex biological factors that can prevent the brain from slowing down,” explains Prof. Sigmundsson.
Keep learning and stay passionate
Like Bicep curls help us build muscle, keeping the brain active promotes strong cognition for life. Consider taking up a new hobby or learning a new skill. However, perhaps the most important thing is that you do not force it; find something you are truly passionate about. It’s never too late in life to learn something new!
“Passion, or having a strong interest in something, can be the determining and driving factor that leads us to learn new things. Over time, this affects the development and maintenance of our neural networks,” says Professor Sigmundsson.
Cognitive Conclusion for Better Brain Health
Overall, the study authors say much of their advice can be summed up in the old adage: “Use it or lose it.” Our brains are kind of amazing machines, but just like any other tool, they will start to wither if left idle for too long.
“brain development It is closely linked to lifestyle. Physical exercise, relationships and passion help to develop and maintain the basic structures of our brain as we age”, concludes Prof. Sigmundsson.
the to study is published in Brain Sciences.
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