Sometimes I’d hear people around me speaking the two other languages I understand and my brain would go nuts with processing. I know something was happening there in terms of neuroscience and always wondered what.
Research says 7-9 hours of sleep for adults. I know there are ranges of REM and Deep sleep, not sure if research has landed on what’s “ideal”. REM can make up anywhere between 5-50% of total sleep time (average for healthy adults is 1.5 hrs). Deep sleep can be between 0-35%, average adults spend 1-1.5 hrs of total sleep in deep sleep.
Yikes! The amount of times I have been to a concert and laughed about the fact that my ears are ringing!! I will now be more precautious from now on, don't want any more hair cells dying thank you Coldplay
Hearing Loss - the damage was done 50 years ago, going to 100dB rock concerts and having ringing ears for days. My audiologist says it is so common with people of my generation.
Much of the rest seems like making healthy and common sense living choices.
Thank you for publishing this list, it is much appreciated.
It reduces your ability to get important input from the environment, engage in things you love, and connect/communicate with people. All of which are important to keep a brain healthy and thriving.
Here in the UK I’ve read that teeth plaque removal through good dental hygiene and daily flossing is also strongly linked to brain health. What’s your opinion on that?
The parts of your brain that process hearing & vision "die" from lack of use. Plus it is socially isolating when you can't hear to participate in conversations.
Also, reduce homocysteine. Sort of covered by smoking and alcohol. Nutrients involved in the metabolism of homocysteine include folate, vitamin B12, vitamin B6, riboflavin, and choline. Although supplementation with folate, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12 successfully lowers homocysteine concentration in the blood.
I'd just add: start your day with prayer and Scripture reading; it's communication between your spirit and your Creator's Infinite Spirit. If I find prayer difficult, I reverse the order and do the reading first. Usually, I have plenty to bring to the "conversation"
I find it powerfully stimulating in that the train of thought plus the quantity and speed of thoughts coming in can be like drinking from the proverbial fire hose.
But the Father knows our capacity. He fills it to maximum with no injury, along with plenty of temporary discomfort. It's like mental cross training as the endorphins kick in.
I write my prayers because, for me, doing so challenges my ability to choose words with influx entering at such high velocity. But more than that, it helps me to avoid distraction and limiting topics to what I can commit to paper.
I have another one. Participate in activities like racquet sports. You’re moving, thinking, using your hand to eye coordination and balance.
Oh man. I learned a new language around midlife, one totally different from my own, and I swear I could feel new parts of my brain activate.
So curious which one? And am thinking about doing the same.
Chinese!
Sometimes I’d hear people around me speaking the two other languages I understand and my brain would go nuts with processing. I know something was happening there in terms of neuroscience and always wondered what.
All things that help general well-being also help brain health 🙂↕️
Surprised though they didn’t include sleep. It’s super important!
Good call out
Do you have any current research details on amount of sleep and the ideal REM/Deep sleep balance for brain health Julie?
Research says 7-9 hours of sleep for adults. I know there are ranges of REM and Deep sleep, not sure if research has landed on what’s “ideal”. REM can make up anywhere between 5-50% of total sleep time (average for healthy adults is 1.5 hrs). Deep sleep can be between 0-35%, average adults spend 1-1.5 hrs of total sleep in deep sleep.
That’s really interesting. Thank you! 💕
Yikes! The amount of times I have been to a concert and laughed about the fact that my ears are ringing!! I will now be more precautious from now on, don't want any more hair cells dying thank you Coldplay
At age 71 I moved to Ireland and started a new job. And learned to drive on the left side of the road. Talk about cognitively stimulating activity!
Thank you so much for the list and making it free access.
We just bought an air filter - must remember to turn it on! We haven’t got into the habit of using it yet.
Can I also recommend meditation as another technique to add to the list. Warm feelings to everyone!
Sauna is effective. High intensity exercise. Cold water therapy great for cardiovascular system x
Now that's COLD! But I'm resolved to try it.
Hearing Loss - the damage was done 50 years ago, going to 100dB rock concerts and having ringing ears for days. My audiologist says it is so common with people of my generation.
Much of the rest seems like making healthy and common sense living choices.
Thank you for publishing this list, it is much appreciated.
I still don’t understand how hearing / vision loss is linked to developing dementia .
It reduces your ability to get important input from the environment, engage in things you love, and connect/communicate with people. All of which are important to keep a brain healthy and thriving.
Dental health is vital for heart health
And mental health; coping with pain and possibly malnutrition ( I would imagine) burdens cognition, logic and causality. Doc Julie would know.
Thankyou .
Here in the UK I’ve read that teeth plaque removal through good dental hygiene and daily flossing is also strongly linked to brain health. What’s your opinion on that?
All health is brain health - the brain and body are inextricably linked!
If you can't see and you can't hear, you live in a sort of fog. That can't be good for your brain.
That’s right
The parts of your brain that process hearing & vision "die" from lack of use. Plus it is socially isolating when you can't hear to participate in conversations.
I think I am doing most of the right things. I try to keep active mentally and physically.
I mentioned in a comment elsewhere about playing chess. I have heard that this can be good for preventing dementia. Is this true?
I played chess all the time as a kid. Just taking it up again on chess.com.
Interesting points you raise though. Thanks.
Oh and sorry. I realise I am responding to the same person as last time! Thanks for your advice. Much appreciated!
Also, reduce homocysteine. Sort of covered by smoking and alcohol. Nutrients involved in the metabolism of homocysteine include folate, vitamin B12, vitamin B6, riboflavin, and choline. Although supplementation with folate, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12 successfully lowers homocysteine concentration in the blood.
tremendous! thank you!
Thank you for this!
Thanks for the article. Good to know.
I'd just add: start your day with prayer and Scripture reading; it's communication between your spirit and your Creator's Infinite Spirit. If I find prayer difficult, I reverse the order and do the reading first. Usually, I have plenty to bring to the "conversation"
I find it powerfully stimulating in that the train of thought plus the quantity and speed of thoughts coming in can be like drinking from the proverbial fire hose.
But the Father knows our capacity. He fills it to maximum with no injury, along with plenty of temporary discomfort. It's like mental cross training as the endorphins kick in.
I write my prayers because, for me, doing so challenges my ability to choose words with influx entering at such high velocity. But more than that, it helps me to avoid distraction and limiting topics to what I can commit to paper.
Thank you
thanks