Maintaining good mental health means keeping brain, body engaged

INDIANAPOLIS – So it’s a day off from work. How about reading book, starting a new hobby, spending some time with friends over dinner or visiting an art museum? If you do any of those things, you could be doing your brain a favor.

That’s because certain kinds of activities appear to help maintain brain health throughout life. And it’s never too early — or too late — to give your brain a boost, said Steven Rumble, Ph.D., a neuropsychologist with St. Francis Outpatient Behavioral Health Services.

Rumble routinely tests referred patients for cognitive problems related to Alzheimer’s disease, dementia or major depression in older adults.

“Brain health is a lifelong pursuit,” Rumble said. “and it should have the same priority as cardiac health.”

Based on the best available evidence for preserving brain health, the Alzheimer’s Association and other experts offer these suggestions:

Control risk factors. Keep your body weight, blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels within recommended ranges. All of these are risk factors for heart disease, stroke and diabetes — diseases that may increase the chances for Alzheimer’s and other dementias.

Choose a brain-healthy diet. Good choices include foods low in fat and cholesterol, cold-water fish, and foods rich in antioxidants.

Pump it up. Because exercise stimulates blood flow, it may encourage new brain cells. Whatever you can do — even walking a few blocks daily — is better than doing nothing, Rumble said.

Avoid brain-damaging habits. Don’t smoke or use illegal drugs or misuse prescription medication.

Put your mind to work. Your brain benefits most when you try a variety of activities that differ in frequency, intensity and social setting. For example, read, write, or work crossword or other puzzles. Play games or plant a garden. Attend lectures, classes and plays.

Maintain social connections. Studies have found that participating in sports and cultural activities and close, positive personal relationships that provide emotional support tend to protect against dementia and negative effects of chronic
depression.

Learn as much as you can. People who have academic accomplishments and intellectually challenging jobs may be less likely to develop Alzheimer’s, Rumble said. And if they do develop dementia, it may occur later in life.

To learn more about St. Francis Outpatient Behavioral Health Services, go to http://www.franciscanalliance.org/hospitals/indianapolis/services/behavioral-health.