A Practical Guide to Improving Your Brain Health at Any Age

Brain health is essential to our well-being at every stage of life. As many of us lead longer, healthier lives, we have more opportunities to support our brain health and thrive. While statistics can make it seem otherwise, being cognitively healthy is the norm throughout life! There are choices we can make today to protect and promote our brain health.

At Hebrew SeniorLife’s Deanna and Sidney Wolk Center for Memory Health, we offer comprehensive outpatient care for brain health, including memory loss, cognitive decline, and behavioral changes related to Alzheimer’s, other dementias, and neurological or psychiatric conditions.

To empower people to take their brain health into their own hands, our team of experts created a 46-page free comprehensive guide, “Optimizing Your Brain Health.” This booklet offers practical tips and resources from the Wolk Center for Memory Health. We created it for anyone who wants to find the pathways to better brain health, with evidence-based information and recommendations.

Here’s a sneak peek into some of the actionable insights the guide offers:

Finding motivation for behavior change  

Have you tried to make changes before but found it challenging? You aren’t alone! Many researchers have explored human behavior to grasp why this happens. Our guide explores a model of behavior change to help you better understand how motivation works. Get tips on discovering what motivates you and how to set goals that stick.

Participating in health care

You’ll learn the importance of participating actively in your health care decision-making experience. Take a moment of reflection to ask yourself what matters most to you — something many people have never even considered, but an answer that can empower you to become a more active participant in your health journey and better inform your care team. You’ll also familiarize yourself with some common challenges people face when trying to engage in their health care and what you can do if you face those same challenges.

Brain health pillars

Several lifestyle factors are closely connected to brain health. You’ll dive deep into these pillars of brain health, including the MIND diet developed specifically to help prevent cognitive decline, sleep, exercise, and social connection.

Discover the foods that help nourish your body and brain, such as leafy greens, beans, whole grains, and fish. Uncover habits to help you achieve better sleep (hint: a midday caffeine habit may be negatively affecting your sleep!). Get tips on staying active, even if mobility challenges pose barriers.

And did you know that lacking social connection is as dangerous to your health as smoking 15 cigarettes every day? Building strong social connections and managing stress through evidence-based relaxation strategies can foster mental wellness. Learn how to incorporate some of these strategies into your life. 

Important resources for care partners

At the Wolk Center for Memory Health, we don’t just serve older adults or people wanting to keep an eye on brain health — we offer resources for caregivers, too. Get a handy list of resources for family caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Plus, get the facts on the value of working with geriatric social workers and care managers.

Getting a brain health check-up

If you or a loved one has noticed memory changes, seeking care early gives you more options for treatment and lifestyle interventions. It’s never too early to prioritize your brain health! Even if you haven’t noticed any memory changes or symptoms but want a brain health check-up, we encourage you to contact the Wolk Center for Memory Health online or call us at 617-363-8600. 

But what can you expect if you decide to make an appointment? Our brain health guide explains that, too! Get information on what to expect at a memory clinic, what a neuropsychological evaluation is, and other testing methods for dementia.

Want the complete brain health optimization guide?

The Wolk Center for Memory Health’s team of multidisciplinary experts has created our comprehensive guide, “Optimizing Your Brain Health.” With your copy, you can discover practical tips and advice to maintain and enhance your brain health at any age.

Download the guide below