Ask The Doctor

A Healthy Brain

Lifestyle choices can protect memory, communication and learning abilities.

WRITTEN BY MELISSA BEAN STERZICK

As people get older, changes occur in all parts of the body including the brain. Certain parts of the brain shrink, and communication between nerve cells may not be as effective. That might sound alarming, but healthy choices and simple activities can protect the brain. Declining mental function is not an inevitable part of aging. Ben Tseng, MD, a board-certified neurologist with Torrance Memorial’s Lundquist Neurosciences Institute, shares important information about maintaining brain health.

What are some simple ways to keep your brain healthy?

Dr. Tseng: A cardiovascular-healthy diet and exercise are very clearly beneficial for brain health and cognitive performance. It’s important to get enough sleep and limit stress. Manage your blood pressure and blood sugar. Keep an active lifestyle, which can range from physical to social activities. Solitary activities such as reading, playing instruments, learning new things and hobbies are very beneficial. Find things you like to do that also engage the brain. Yoga classes, walking, games and music are just a few ideas, but there are many options. Volunteer work can fill several needs at once—providing social interaction and supporting mental health.

How does age affect brain health?

Common symptoms of normal aging include difficulties in the following three domains: memory retrieval, multitasking skills and the general processing speed of the brain. People notice these difficulties and can lose confidence or motivation to improve, but the brain needs exercise to stay healthy—just like any other muscle.

How can seniors regain mental function if it has diminished?

It’s easy to think a loss of ability or change in performance is permanent, but it isn’t. Seniors may need extra time to complete mental tasks or learn new things, but they do not necessarily lose those abilities. The same activities supporting brain health also help people regain function if it has declined. Regular physical activity, social connection, and doing things requiring concentration as well as memory stimulation and learning will protect and improve brain health. Forming new habits and making changes for your health take effort. Set an easy goal and enlist the help of friends or family members to encourage or participate in reaching it.

How does overall health affect brain health?

Cardiovascular diseases are directly related to strokes, including hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes, smoking and a family history of vascular disease. Other risk factors that apply to general health also have detrimental impacts on the brain, such as a sedentary lifestyle, poor dietary choices and any deficiency in caregiving or the support system at home.

Also, mental health should not be overlooked—depression, anxiety, insomnia and other untreated psychological conditions are directly related to impaired focus, executive functions and general problem-solving abilities. Limit social media, the amount of news you read/watch and exposure to unnecessary stressors. Most importantly, ask for help before things become too overwhelming.

What cognitive symptoms indicate the need for a doctor’s attention?

Symptoms requiring a doctor’s attention can be acute or slowly progressive. Any acute or sudden change in mental status or neurologic functions should be evaluated right away. If you are experiencing any symptoms of a stroke—sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm or leg, confusion or trouble speaking or understanding, vision problems or difficulty with balance or walking—call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.

For slow progressive symptoms, in the case of dementia, family members often report cognitive decline directly impacting a patient’s ability to function, including driving, keeping up with daily routines and appointments, adhering to medication regimens, etc. In terms of memory, family members should be concerned if they notice an increase in repetitive questions or an inability to retrieve information, despite multiple reminders. •

5 Great Books on Healthy Aging

While there are many great resources available to help us age gracefully and in good health (both mentally and physically), we recommend five books about healthy aging to motivate and inspire you.

All of these books are also available in audio format.

Healthy Aging: A Lifelong Guide to Your Well-Being

WRITTEN BYANDREW WEIL, MD

Acclaimed best-seller Andrew Weil, MD, provides sensible advice to aging adults in this oldie-but-goodie book for seniors. In the 2007 version (recommended), Dr. Weil’s advice combines traditional and nontraditional medical advice to help us age in good health. Highlights include advice on nutrition and eating right, the anti-inflammatory diet, exercising right and a solid background on the aging process in general terms.

Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life

WRITTEN BYHÉCTOR GARCÍA ANDFRANCESC MIRALLES

This feel-good book poses a simple but radical question: What is your reason for being? Or as the Japanese call it, your ikigai. Weaving in narratives and interviews with Japanese centenarians along with studies, history, quotes and even a brief tai chi lesson, this little book offers big advice on how to live a long, happy and meaningful life.

Keep Sharp: Build a Better Brain at Any Age

WRITTEN BY SANJAY GUPTA, MD

Throughout life, we look for ways to keep our minds sharp and effortlessly productive. Now, globe-trotting neurosurgeon Sanjay Gupta, MD, offers a book filled with insights from top scientists all over the world, whose cutting-edge research can help you heighten and protect brain function and maintain cognitive health at any age. Dr. Gupta also addresses brain disease, particularly Alzheimer’s, and provides you with a personalized 12-week program featuring practical strategies to strengthen your brain every day.

The Gift of Years: Growing Older Gracefully

WRITTEN BYJOAN CHITTISTER

Author Joan Chittister, a Benedictine Sister of Erie, Pennsylvania, has written more than 50 books and has received many accolades and awards for her writing. This book is about embracing the aging process and taking it in. It contains 40+ essays on subjects like adjustment, sadness, regret and success. The author also offers advice on allowing yourself to become active in your golden years and using that time to connect with yourself and with others.

The Wonder of Aging: A New Approach to Embracing Life After Fifty

WRITTEN BYMICHAEL GURIAN

New York Times best-selling author Michael Gurian takes readers on a journey along newly-defined dimensions for the second half of life. The book divides one’s second act into three stages: The Age of Transformation (from late 40s to around 60), The Age of Distinction (from 60 to 75), and The Age of Completion (the final stage of our journey). It is filled with practical tips, solid science, and stories to inspire and motivate readers. •