Our brains are the command centers of our bodies — controlling emotions, movement, coordination, and essential functions. Prioritizing a healthy brain supports both our physical health and emotional well-being, which are key to staying independent as we grow older.
Given the right support, our brains can continue to function at a high level throughout our life. “That’s the beautiful thing — you can always create new pathways and learn new things until you die,” says Terri Paige, CEO and co-founder of Medical Transformation Center.
Small changes in cognitive function may occur as the years go by, but failing brain health is not a given with age. “As we age, we see changes, and those changes can be uncomfortable, but that does not necessarily indicate a problem,” says Dr. Bryan Davis, clinical health psychologist at Norton Neuroscience Institute. “[But] if daily you are forgetting the keys, where you are going, how to get home, names of grandkids or friends, that could indicate big shifts and red flags.”
Making intentional choices that fit with your lifestyle are the key to preventing cognitive decline. “There are four foundations for brain health: sleep; nutrition, which includes hydration; how you manage stress; and your activity level,” Dr. Davis says.
Finding ways to build success in these areas is essential. “The focus is workability, what works for you,” Dr. Davis continues. “Often people latch on to what others do, but you need to find what is workable for you.”
Brain power through nutrition
The food you eat will impact your brain health. “Getting a good variety of food every day is important for making sure we get the nutrients we need to help keep our brains healthy and functioning at an optimal level,” says Bethany Farmer, clinical nutritionist with Norton Neuroscience Institute. “There are four very important nutrients that can contribute to brain health: omega-3 fatty acids; B vitamins, especially B12; vitamin D; and antioxidants.”
Bethany educates further on these essential nutrients:
Omega-3 fatty acids: Nuts and fish are great sources of these nutrients that help to reduce inflammation, repair damage to our cells, and improve blood flow. “When blood flows well, the brain works the best,” Bethany says.
B vitamins: These help to produce energy in our body, which aids in brain function. Whole grains, beans, legumes, and lean meats such as chicken are great sources of B vitamins.
Vitamin D: “As we age, our ability to synthesize vitamin D decreases naturally, so we need to find ways to get it,” Bethany says. Eggs and low-fat dairy can provide vitamin D, as can sitting outside with exposure to the sun for at least 20 minutes.
Antioxidants are found in brightly colored fruits and vegetables. They are important because they help reduce inflammation throughout the body. “Spinach and tomatoes are two of the highest-antioxidant foods,” Bethany says. “Other good food sources include green tea, coffee, turmeric, dark chocolate, and red wine.”
Intentionally including these nutrient-rich foods in your diet can significantly contribute to brain health. Equally important is limiting the foods that cause damage, such as sugar and saturated fats, Bethany says. Beware of sugar substitutes as well. “People think, ‘It’s a substitute, so I can have it,’ but that is not true,” Bethany says. “[Sugar substitutes] can significantly change the healthy bacteria in your gut and increase inflammation.”
New tech in cognitive health support
In addition to focusing on the foundational influences of brain health that Dr. Davis described — sleep, nutrition, stress management, and exercise — people can consider emerging treatments for their cognitive health as technology continues to evolve.
One such new treatment is Exomind, an FDA-approved therapy that enhances brain function through the use of pulses that stimulate the brain. “Exomind uses energy to focus and remodel neural pathways and strengthen the good ones,” Terri says. “The treatment is directed at the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex area of the brain. This area is the command center for cravings, depression, anxiety, and where you do your planning.”
By fortifying new, healthier connections in this part of the brain, Exomind may help with problems connected to emotional wellness, such as overeating, depression, and anxiety, Terri continues.
Exomind is a relatively new treatment. “The Medical Transformation Center is the first in Kentucky to get it,” Terri says. “We are very excited to be a part of this launch. There are only 25 total [providers] in the United States.”
The noninvasive treatment involves placing an applicator over the left side of the head above the ear, which delivers a pulse to the area to stimulate brain activity. The treatment involves six sessions that last no longer than 24 minutes each, with treatments occurring once or twice a week. After treatment, patients have reported decreased cravings, better sleep, reduced anxiety, and more balanced moods.
By Tami Pyles
P.S. You may also enjoy Let The Music Play And Improve Your Mood.
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