Sunday, May 17th 2026
Our brain needs challenges to stay healthy, but that doesn’t mean everything has to be difficult or stressful. According to experts, some simple and enjoyable activities can help protect the brain and slow the decline of mental abilities over the years, the BBC wrote.
As people live longer, the number of years spent with health problems also increases. For this reason, researchers are increasingly focusing on ways that help people maintain not only longevity, but also mental health.
According to psychologist Alan Gow from Heriot-Watt University in Scotland, even small changes in everyday life can have a big impact on the brain.
“Regardless of our age, there are things we can do more or less to give our mental abilities a boost,” he said. it.
Experts explain that challenging activities help create what is called “cognitive reserve”, a type of protection that helps the brain better cope with aging and diseases such as dementia or Alzheimer’s.
These are three of the best and most fun ways to keep the brain active.
One of the most important parts of the brain for memory and orientation is the hippocampus, which is also among the first areas to be affected by Alzheimer’s.
“We’ve known for years that people with Alzheimer’s often lose their way as an initial symptom,” said neurologist Dennis Chan from University College London.
Studies have shown that taxi and ambulance drivers have lower mortality rates from Alzheimer’s because they are constantly using their brains for orientation and driving.
In fact, taxi drivers who learned routes without GPS were found to have enlarged the hippocampus.
Experts recommend activities such as walking new routes without using Google Maps, orienteering, playing with building blocks for children or virtual games that require spatial orientation.
Overuse of GPS has been linked to poorer spatial memory.
Many studies have shown that people who maintain strong social connections have a lower risk of cognitive decline and dementia.
One study A large study found that people who were more socially active in middle and third age had a 30 to 50 percent lower risk of dementia.
Also, among people who developed dementia, those who had fewer social contacts developed the disease about five years earlier than those who were more socially active.
“The protective factor is the ability to discuss, debate and share ideas. These conversations can be protective for the brain,” explained epidemiologist Pamela Almeida-Meza
When we talk and interact with others, many parts of the brain are activated, from memory and language, to planning and concentration.
In addition, social connections help reduce chronic stress, which is associated with damage to neurons in the hippocampus.
One of the most important factors for healthy aging is continued learning throughout life.
Studies show that people who spend more years in education have a lower risk of dementia.
Learning new things helps the brain make new neural connections and strengthen existing ones, a process known as neuroplasticity.
“It is this ability to create new nerve cells and new connections that gives people resistance to Alzheimer’s,” said Dr. Dennis Chan.
Experts recommend simple activities like gardening, reading, discussing books with friends, learning a new skill, or changing your daily routine.
Studies even show that gardening can help maintain cognitive function.
According to researchers, it doesn’t matter whether it’s a new hiking trail, a challenging book, or more time with friends, any activity that stimulates the brain helps create a stronger, more resilient brain. against aging.
And perhaps the best part is that these habits not only help brain health, but also make life more enjoyable.
Source: prizrenpost
