Six Pillars of Brain Health – Expert Interviews

Pillars of Brain Health

Pillar 1: Be Social – Stay Socially Engaged to Support Your Brain Health

Key points:

• Keep in Touch with Friends and Family
• Social Opportunities Are Outside Your Front Door
• Consider Adding a Pet to Your Life
• Don’t Let Yourself Get Isolated
• COVID-19 Adds Risks for the Homebound
• Social Media Has Social Value – To a Point
• Helping Other Helps You, Too
• Social Bonds Pay Off Throughout Life

Pillar 2: Engage Your Brain – Find Ways to Stimulate Your Brain

Key points:

• Pick Mental Activities You Enjoy
• Exercise Your Muscles – and Your Brain
• Explore New Interests
• Tip: Work with a Teacher or Partner
• Challenge Yourself to Improve Skills
• You Don’t Need to Wait
• And Remember to Have Fun

Pillar 3: Manage Stress – Reduce Your Stress, Boost Your Brain Health

Key points:

• You Can Conquer Your Stress
• A Stable Daily Schedule Promotes Calm
• Physical Activity Can Ease Stress
• Social Ties Boost Positive Feelings
• Stay Tuned in to Your Stress Level
• Laughter Keeps Balance in Your Life

Pillar 4: Ongoing Exercise – Exercise Helps Your Brain at Any Age

Key points:

• What Kinds of Exercise are Best
• How Exercise Helps Your Brain 
• Exercise supports memory, reasoning, problem solving, attention
• Do Anything That Gets Your Body to Move
• Pick an Activity You Enjoy
• Physical Activity Boosts Mental Well-Being
• How Much Exercise Do I Need?

Pillar 5: Restorative Sleep – Restful Sleep Makes Your Brain Work Better

Key points:

• Make Sleep a Priority
• You Pay a Mental Price for Lack of Sleep
• Four Cardinal Rules for Good Sleep
• Restful Sleep Helps Your Brain Work Better
• Save Your Worries for Daytime

Pillar 6: Eat Right – Eating Healthy Is Good for Your Brain 

Key points:

• Wise Food Choices Can Protect Your Brain
• Go Light on Certain Foods
• Be an Informed Consumer
• Take Control of Your Diet
• Do’s and Don’ts for a Brain-Healthy Diet