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.
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. If you missed the full article on brain health, check it out here.
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