If you’ve experienced so-called “senior moments,” brain blips, or brain freezes, you’re not alone.
Many people worry about their future brain health. The American Academy of Neurology suggests considering 12 factors that influence long-term brain health.
“Neurologists are the experts in brain health, with the training and insight needed to help you keep your brain in top shape throughout life,” Dr. Carlayne Jackson, president of the American Academy of Neurology (AAN), said in a news release.
In a recent article in the journal Neurology, a team led by Dr. Linda Selwa of the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor recommended 12 tips to start conversations with your health care provider about ways to keep your brain healthy.
Questions to ask yourself and tell your doctor
1. Sleep
Are you able to get sufficient sleep to feel rested?
Discuss daytime sleepiness, shift work, pain at night, insomnia, and daytime napping with your doctor.
2. Mood and mental health
Do you have concerns about your mood, anxiety, or stress? Do you experience social isolation or loneliness?
Raise these issues with your healthcare provider.
3. Food, diet, and supplements
Do you have concerns about getting enough or healthy enough food or questions about supplements or vitamins?
4. Exercise
Do you find ways to fit physical exercise into your life?
Talk to your doctor about physical activity, movement, balance, and maintaining independence.
5. Supportive social interactions
Do you have regular contact with close friends or family, and do you have enough support from people?
6. Trauma avoidance
Discuss seatbelt usage, helmet safety, gun safety, watercraft or ATV safety, fall prevention, and occupational risks with your doctor.
7. Blood pressure
Discuss any issues with high blood pressure, concerns about treatment, and getting a blood pressure cuff for home use with your healthcare provider.
8. Risks, genetic and metabolic factors
Consider genetic risks, controlling blood sugar and cholesterol, and maintaining a healthy weight.
9. Affordability and adherence
Speak up if you have trouble affording your medications or if your insurance coverage is changing.
10. Infection
Discuss vaccines, immunization schedules, and potential exposure risks with your doctor.
11. Negative exposures
Screen for tobacco, alcohol, nonprescription substance use, and environmental pollution risks during your visits.
12. Social determinants of health
Address concerns about housing, transportation, access to care, medical insurance, and safety with your healthcare provider.
Improving brain health on an individual level is crucial, and seeking advice and resources from your healthcare provider can help enhance your brain health.
More Information
For more tips on keeping your brain healthy, visit the Mayo Clinic.
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12 questions to ask yourself and your doctor to maintain brain health (2025, February 1)
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