Why Brain Health Is The Top Wellness Priority This Year

In recent years, brain health has become a popular topic of conversation. In wellness spaces in particular, keeping the brain sharp and firing on all cylinders has joined the ranks of heart health, physical fitness, and overall longevity. Given the statistics surrounding cognitive decline, it’s no surprise that brain health has become an increasingly pressing priority.

More than 7 million Americans are currently living with Alzheimer’s disease, and by 2050, that number is projected to rise to nearly 13 million, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. About 1 in 9 people ages 65 and older has Alzheimer’s. And if you’ve ever witnessed a parent, grandparent, or other close loved one face dementia, you know firsthand just how devastating and scary it can be.

“The brain is the entire control center for every function of the body, including movement, sensory perception, decision making, memory, emotion, digestion, blood flow, hormone regulation, and more,” says Michael Drzewiecki, DC, MS, Director of Clinical Neuroscience and partner at the Neurologic Wellness Institute. “Good brain health doesn’t just determine life quantity, but also life quality. The better your brain works, the better the rest of your health is.”

Poor brain health, on the other hand, is closely linked to loss of independence, increased risk of chronic disease, and higher overall mortality. Maintaining good brain health can help lower the risk of cognitive decline and neurological disorders while enhancing quality of life. Read on for doctor-backed strategies on keeping your brain healthy.

Exercise is one of the most powerful forms of medicine for the brain, offering improvements in overall cognition, memory, and executive function. Even if you’re starting from a sedentary lifestyle, focus on adding movement gradually through daily walks or another form of exercise you genuinely enjoy and will stick to.

Research shows that people who regularly exercise from midlife onward are 41-46% less likely to develop dementia compared to inactive adults. Additionally, just 12 weeks of consistent physical activity has been shown to improve cognition and memory across all age groups and exercise types.

Getting enough sleep is one of the simplest and most effective ways to support brain health. Sleep plays a critical housekeeping role, helping clear toxins that build up in the brain while you’re awake. Studies have consistently shown a link between sleep disturbances and a higher risk of neurological disease.

Plus, think about how groggy and unfocused you feel after a poor night’s sleep. Quality sleep enhances cognitive abilities, memory consolidation, and overall mental performance.

Nourishing your body with healthy, whole foods isn’t always glamorous, but nutrition plays a foundational role in brain health. Diets high in saturated fats and added sugars have been shown to trigger brain inflammation and may negatively impact cognition.

“The brain needs the right fuel,” Drzewiecki says. “Proper hydration, reduction of inflammatory foods such as seed oils and refined sugar, proper omega-3 fatty acid intake, and proper micronutrients all aid in brain function.”

For many adults, graduating from school also means stopping learning, which is a huge error. When the brain isn’t challenged, it seemingly begins to atrophy over time. Regularly stimulating the brain through cognitive challenges like reading, word games, puzzles, learning new skills, or even picking up a new hobby keeps it healthy.

“Humans are very social beings with brains that are hardwired for social and emotional connection. Isolation can be a major factor in brain health and mental health decline,” Drzewiecki says.

As people age and responsibilities like careers, children, and caregiving take precedence, friendships often fall to the back burner. Making time for social connection, whether that’s a standing walk with a friend, a weekly FaceTime, or a quick coffee meetup, can have meaningful benefits for brain health.

Often, people aren’t aware of cognitive or neurological risk factors until symptoms are already advanced. Early screening and assessment for neurological conditions, as well as managing chronic health issues like hypertension, diabetes, and sleep disorders, can play a crucial role in protecting long-term brain health and catching potential issues before they progress.