Like the rest of the body, it is important to know how to care for our brain throughout our entire life. Age brings changes in our thinking and memory, but our brain can be kept functioning well for longer with a healthy lifestyle. Diet is one of the most important aspects of a healthy lifestyle. Foods provide nutrients to repair and energise our brain, improve and boost memory and brain function, and preserve our nerve cells.

No food will stave off brain-based pathological conditions, but a good, well-rounded diet, exercise, sleep, good practices, and regular medical check-ups will preserve the brain and help stave off some conditions that may develop with age.

Brain Health and Ageing

Changes in brain health are a normal part of ageing. Nerve cell communication will be slower, there may be decreased circulation to the brain, and the body will slow its healing of damaged cells. With all of these changes, thinking and memory may be a little slower.

Although these changes are common with ageing, severe memory loss, longer-lasting confusion, and not being able to do normal daily activities are not considered a normal part of ageing. These changes should be evaluated by a neurologist.

Signs of Deteriorating Brain Health

Every now and then, most people are a little forgetful. If you notice a change in your memory or brain function, these should not be ignored.

Frequent memory loss, concentration, and decision-making challenges are just a few signs that may indicate a brain disorder. Normally, these changes may go unnoticed; however, if you experience confusion when doing things that are usually habitual, have a reduced attention span, difficulties with balance, and/or have cognitive challenges like finding the right words, these should not be ignored. More importantly, if your mood and/or behaviour may have altered, then you should seek a medical evaluation.

Visiting a neurologist would be the first step in diagnosis because they will take your medical history and symptoms and perform a thorough evaluation.

Diagnosis may include considering the following:

• a neurological evaluation
• memory and cognitive assessments
• blood work to assess for deficiencies and other medical considerations
• ordering a CT or MRI

early diagnosis may help implement effective treatment and healthy lifestyle changes.

Brain Healthy Foods

Fatty Fish

A healthy brain may be attributed to fish like salmon, sardines and mackerel because they are rich in omega-3 fatty acids.

Leafy Green Vegetables

Spinach, kale, and broccoli have the vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that help keep brain cells healthy and may slow brain cell ageing.

Berries

The antioxidants found in blueberries, strawberries, and blackberries may help protect memory and promote healthy brain function.

Nuts and Seeds

Vitamin E, healthy fats, and omega-3s may be helpful for brain health and are found in walnuts, almonds, flax and pumpkin seeds.

Whole Grains

Brown rice, oats, and whole grain bread help brain function by stabilizing energy throughout the day.

Eggs

Eating eggs can help strengthen your nerves and memory. They contain choline, vitamin B12, and protein.

Colourful Fruits and Vegetables

Oxidative stress weakens your brain. Antioxidants and vitamins from brightly coloured fruits and vegetables can protect your brain.

All Beans and Lentils

Lentils and beans contain vital nutrients, proteins, and fibre that sustain energy and help overall health and wellness.

Other habits that support brain function

Sustaining brain health extends beyond eating. Other habits that help brain function include:

• Exercising
• Sleep for 7 to 9 hours
• Active brain through puzzles and new skills
• Proper hydration
• Avoid smoking and limit alcohol
• Manage diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol

These habits will sustain brain function while ageing.

When should you see a neurologist?

If worrying about memory, slow thinking, and confusing behaviours become frequent, then seeing a neurologist is the best option. These symptoms are more alarming when they develop suddenly and are coupled with weakness or changes in your speech, sight, or even your balance.

It is important to take symptoms seriously to find the cause and get the proper treatment.

Conclusion

You don’t have to think about ageing as decreasing cognition and memory. Eating the right foods impacts the way the brain functions and is also important for your overall health. Vitamins and nutrients coupled with sleep, exercise, and your normal checkups support brain function all your life.

Royal Care Neurosciences has some of the best neurologists with the skills to diagnose and give specialized care for most neurology problems. If you have issues regarding memory, balance, and other brain-related problems, we can help you improve your brain health and quality of life.

FAQs

1. What are the best brain-healthy foods as we age?

Fatty fish, leafy greens, berries, nuts, seeds, whole grains, eggs, and colourful fruits and vegetables are all excellent brain-healthy foods.

2. Can eating healthy help in the prevention of brain disorders?

Healthy eating can’t fully prevent brain disorders, but it can help condition the brain and the body and promote healing.

3. Memory issues can be a sign of a brain disorder. When should I be concerned and seek help for memory issues?

You should seek help if memory issues, problems with focus, and confusion are frequent, worsening, and starting to disrupt your daily activities.