By Jeff Tintle, Publisher of Lifestyles over 50

One thing that I’ve learned over 20 years of publishing Lifestyles over 50 is that boomers and seniors have little interest in reading about health, exercise, nutrition, and mitigating risks for lifestyle diseases. But, there is one diagnosis that this group fears and it commands their attention—Alzheimer’s and other related dementias.

Dementia is also on the radars of the younger generations as they have experienced older family, friends, and neighbors live with the disease. This tragedy has also hit my family. At the end of December, my beloved grandmother passed away. Her love, encouragement, and engagement in my life were the source of my fondness for seniors and desire to serve them. While her physical departure was difficult, it was her mental absence that was most painful as she declined the past few years. She led a vibrant, active and robust life. Her diet was healthy for much of her life, she had close and fulfilling relationships. So how did dementia enter her life? Was it a genetic predisposition or were there other experiential or environmental causes?

When we think of maintaining brain health, common advice tends to focus on diet, puzzles, and learning new skills like languages or instruments. While those strategies do support cognitive reserve, we need a deeper, more integrated approach—especially for those living with or caring for someone with Alzheimer’s, dementia, or related cognitive challenges. This article is a layman’s exploration about emotional trauma, psychological well-being, and spiritual expression through the arts as essential for brain health and resilience.

The Brain Responds to Emotional Experience — Not Just Mental Exercise

Neuroscience shows that the brain is not a disconnected collection of modules but a deeply interwoven organ where memory, emotion, and sensory experience interact. For example:

• The hippocampus—a region critical for memory formation—is vulnerable to chronic stress hormones like cortisol, which, when elevated over time, may accelerate neuropathological changes associated with dementia.
• Emotional memory and associative networks (like those triggered by music) can activate autobiographical recall even in advanced Alzheimer’s, fostering mood improvement and connection.

This means that experiences which engage emotion and meaning—not just cognition—play a powerful role in brain function.

Psychological Trauma Impacts Brain Structure and Cognitive Aging

Chronic stress and unresolved trauma don’t just “feel bad”—they change the brain. Long exposure to psychological stress can dysregulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, leading to elevated cortisol, structural changes in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, and poorer cognitive outcomes later in life.

This implies that for individuals at risk of dementia, it’s not enough to stimulate neurons with puzzles. We must also acknowledge and address the emotional wounds that shape their neural architecture.

Why the Arts Matter: Whole-Brain Engagement and Healing

The emerging field of neuroaesthetics studies how artistic experience influences brain networks related to perception, emotion, and cognition. These experiences don’t just “feel nice”—they activate widespread brain systems, including areas involved in attention, reward, and memory.

Research into art and expressive therapies (including music, visual art, dance, horticulture, and reminiscence therapy) shows promise in enhancing mood, social engagement, and quality of life in older adults and those with cognitive impairment. Dr. Beth Argot, a faculty member and Arts and Trauma Healing Liaison at Dallas International University, explores how expressive arts therapy can promote whole-brain integration, helping individuals process experiences that traditional talk therapy cannot easily access. Her research emphasizes that trauma often gets “stuck” in nonverbal regions of the brain—areas deeply tied to emotion and sensory memory. By engaging the arts—music, movement, visual expression—individuals can access and integrate these experiences, fostering emotional regulation and neurological resilience.

Her approach suggests that spiritual and artistic practices are not merely therapeutic add-ons but core pathways through which the brain, body, and spirit can harmonize. This perspective resonates especially with those seeking meaningful engagement alongside clinical care. Even where art therapy doesn’t reverse neurodegeneration per se, it enriches lived experience, stimulates networks that can support retained functions, and helps people express themselves in ways that words alone cannot.

Emotion, Meaning, and Memory: A Holistic Framework

For caregivers and individuals affected by dementia, incorporating arts and trauma-informed approaches can:

• Provide nonverbal emotional expression, especially when language falters.
• Support neuroplasticity by engaging multi-sensory networks.
• Reduce anxiety and agitation by offering meaningful, familiar experiences.
• Strengthen social bonds and emotional connection through shared creative activities.

These benefits complement—but go beyond—traditional cognitive exercises, inviting a fuller engagement of the human experience.

Toward a New Paradigm of Brain Health

A balanced approach to brain health for aging and neurocognitive conditions must consider:

1. Neurological foundations—recognizing how stress and emotion shape neural circuits.
2. Creative expression—using arts to activate multiple brain regions.
3. Trauma healing—addressing emotional wounds that influence cognition.
4. Spiritual and existential meaning—supporting resilience and quality of life.

By weaving together the science of the brain with the richness of human experience—emotion, trauma, creativity, and spirituality—we honor the complexity of cognitive health and human dignity alike.

During the recent CarePatrol National Conference, franchise owners shared ideas on how to better engage with and give back to their local assisted living and memory care communities. One particularly impactful suggestion was providing stuffed animals to memory care residents to offer comfort and evoke cherished memories.

Having recently lost our beloved family pet, Lacy, we felt this was the perfect way to honor her memory whilereaching out to the senior communities our clients transition into. In her memory, we have provided a stuffed schnauzer resembling Lacy, accompanied by a poem and a short story for the residents to enjoy.

Loving Lacy

Loving Lacy, gentle and true, With eyes of warmth. A heart so new.
Her wagging tail, a joyful song, In her embrace, I belong.
Soft fur with the morning light, Comfort found in darkest night.
Her caring gaze, a smoothing balm, Turning storms to perfect calm. Footsteps echo, she’s right there,
Loyal spirit, beyond compare. Every heartbeat, every day, Lacy’s love will light the way.

A Tribute to Lacy: Continuing Her Loving Spirit

On behalf of CarePatrol of the Lehigh Valley & Upper Bucks, we offer a heartfelt tribute to our own beloved Lacy, whowas a cherished member of our family. Lacy’s loving spirit touched many lives, and it is our hope that her warmth and kindness will continue to shine through the Loving Lacy stuffed animal.

Loving Lacy can evoke cherished memories of beloved pets, foster a sense of calm, and offer a tangible source of joy and security. Loving Lacy helps ease feelings of anxiety and loneliness and encourages positive emotional engagement. The Loving Lacy stuffed animal serves as a gentle reminder of the unconditional love and companionship pets provide, offering emotional support and reassurance to those who need it most.

Being a caregiver for someone with dementia is both a profound responsibility and a deeply personal journey. Whilecaring for a loved one, many caregivers experience feelings of isolation, stress, and sometimes even guilt. However, it’s important to remember that you don’t have to navigate this journey alone. One of the best resources available to caregivers is joining a support group.

Safety, connection, validation and growth are the hallmarks of an effective support group. Support groups can provide participants with a unique and vital form of therapeutic support which has been referred to as communal relational support. Communal relational support provides participants with a sense of belonging to a larger community that accepts and values them for who they are, offers opportunities to both receive and give support and empowers them with pathways to tap into their innate calling toward interconnection and to feel part of a bigger whole.

Support groups for dementia caregivers offer a safe, understanding environment where you can share experiences, gain valuable insights, and receive emotional support from others who truly understand what you’re facing.

Key Benefits of Joining a Support Group:

• Shared Experience: Knowing that others are out there experiencing similar things can help us feel better in general – sharing a sense of common humanity with others often enables us to give ourselves grace and compassion. When we are more isolated and misunderstood in our experiences, it makes it really hard not to think “I must be the only one who thinks and feels this way or is going through this.”
• Expressing Yourself: It can be really difficult at times to find spaces that feel safe and open enough to share ourinner thoughts and Having a safe space to talk about your thoughts, feelings and experiences helps you work through them. Sharing your feelings with others who understand can help reduce feelings of loneliness and foster a sense of belonging.
• Emotional Support and Building Meaningful Connections: Caring for someone with dementia can often make onefeel Finding meaningful connections, at any age or stage of life, can be a challenging process. One ofthe greatest benefits of attending a support group is connecting with others with similar experiences. Knowing that others can understand what we are going through and are also going through it is one of the many ways we can start to change the way we talk to ourselves about our struggles.
• Learning About Yourself: When we open ourselves up to sharing our inner worlds, we also start to notice patterns and identify things that we may not have ever seen before. This can be a rewarding yet perhaps an overwhelming process, and having the support of others is incredibly helpful as we navigate our relationship with ourselves.
• Validation and Empowerment: Sometimes, caregivers feel guilty for needing a break or for not being able to do or handle everything on their own. Support groups provide a judgment-free space where caregivers can validate their feelings, share their concerns, and find empowerment in knowing they are not alone.
• Helping Others: Most people tap into appreciation and gratitude when they help others in need. Participating in a support group has the benefit of both receiving support and also being able to support others as they navigate similar situations. Having relationships in which we both receive and provide emotional support solidifies a deeper sense of connection with others.
• Support Wellbeing and Restore Balance: Caregiver burnout is a real concern, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmedand Talking about your struggles and hearing others’ stories can help relieve stress, reduce anxiety, andgive you the emotional boost needed to continue providing care. Support and accountability are essential in order to sustain our motivation and progress. Support groups enhance both in that participants are receiving support in their experiences while also discussing ways to keep moving forward within their identified paths.
• Learning New Skills, Practical Tips and Advice: Every caregiver faces challenges. Whether it’s managingbehavior changes, dealing with difficult decisions or simply finding ways to balance caregiving with personal life, attending a support group is the opportunity to learn new ways to deal with problems by hearing additional perspectives on our experiences. We can learn from others about how they’ve dealt with similar situations and acquire new tools, practical tips, valuable advice and coping strategies that can make daily caregiving tasks more manageable and our problem solving challenges more effectively.
• Resource Sharing: Support groups often serve as a source of practical resources, from helpful tools and guides to local services and programs that can assist caregivers in their

Remember to take care of you. This powerful reminder isn’t selfish, it’s what keeps your heart steady and your strengths lasting.

This period can be challenging, with the “winter blues” resulting in seasonal depression, a time when seniors and their caregivers are at their lowest mentally. In this article, we examine seasonal depression and how it can be effectively managed. 

What is seasonal affective disorder (SAD)? Seasonal affective disorder is a type of depression caused by changes in seasons. SAD is expected during the winter season, extending to February. 

It occurs because reduced sun exposure during short winter days interferes with the body’s natural circadian rhythm, which results in changes to the brain’s chemistry, such as affecting the secretion of mood-based hormones serotonin and melatonin. 

Symptoms of SAD Some of the symptoms of seasonal affective depression include: 

• A persistent low mood 
• Feeling unsociable 
• Loss of interest in everyday activities 
• Lack of energy 
• Changes in appetite 
• Sleeping problems 

How does seasonal depression affect caregivers and seniors? Many caregivers already experience symptoms of depression as a result of chronic stress, which gets worse when SAD kicks in. 

Similarly, seniors with serious health issues suffer a downturn in physical and mental health when SAD comes, drastically reducing the quality of their lives. The CDC estimates that 15-20% of adults over 65 experience depression. 

When you’re aware of and can recognize the warning signs of SAD in yourself and your older adult, you can take action to prevent depression and improve the quality of life for both of you. 

When should you see a doctor? Sometimes, the feelings don’t last long, and your mood slowly improves. However, if you’re getting progressively worse, to the point of having negative and suicidal thoughts, it’s time to seek professional help. 

Tips to help you prevent and manage SAD To prevent and manage SAD: 

• Know the risks
  It’s important to note that SAD is more common in women than men, so learn about your family history with clinical depression. SAD is also more common in people who live far from the equator. This knowledge helps you understand your risk levels and know when to seek professional help.

• Increase sunlight exposure
  Half of the issues caused by SAD result from short winter days and reduced exposure to sunlight. So, draw those curtains open, and let your mind and body bask in the warmth and brightness of natural light whenever it’s available. It’ll do wonders for your mood!

• Exercise regularly
  A simple 30-minute walk every day can boost your mood and energy levels. You can join a gym, jog, swim, or engage in other physical activities. It’s best to fit your exercise schedule into your daylight-hour routine to maximize the limited natural light. Seniors with mobility issues can try sitting in a conservatory or near a window.

• Eat a balanced diet
  Caregivers and seniors must eat a balanced diet this season to keep the winter blues at bay. Foods like fatty fish, nuts, spinach, bok choy, and nutrient-dense grains like quinoa are highly beneficial.

• Get help
  Whether you’re a senior or a caregiver, don’t wallow in the self-pity and overall bad mood that SAD brings; see a doctor. With professional help, this season can be rewarding for you physically and mentally, and you’ll be better for it.

Talk to us at CarePatrol of the Lehigh Valley and Upper Bucks Whether you are a senior or a caregiver seeking guidance on how best to support your loved one, remember that you don’t have to face these challenges alone. 

We offer tips, guidance, and advice tailored to your specific situation, enabling you to enjoy the brighter, happier days you deserve all year round. And if your loved one needs senior care options, we can help, too. Call us today to get started. 

“Seasons Change” can refer literally to Earth’s seasonal cycles describing the natural occurrence of summer, fall, winter, and spring due to Earth’s axial tilt and its orbit around the sun.

The leaves are changing and sweaters and boots are making their way out of our closets! As temperatures drop and we are presented with those longer winter nights, individuals living with dementia and their families may experience increased stress, anxiety and social isolation. Bad weather and colder temperatures can present particular challenges and may occasionally temporarily worsen symptoms.

Those living with dementia may have trouble communicating, making it difficult for them to describe how they feel in the cold and what they may need to feel comfortable, warm and healthy.

Alzheimer’s or other dementias can feel very out of control for people, so they rely on their families and caregivers for cues. A structured, routine and predictable environment can make things easier for them. By planning ahead and taking necessary precautions, caregivers can make these meaningful decisions.

Someone living with dementia may become confused or agitated following a significant shift in routine. If you  must alter someone’s schedule during the winter season, such as adapting nap times or daily walks due to the reduced daylight, try and do it slowly and gradually.

Here are some cold weather tips to consider in helping to ensure the safety and comfort of a person with dementia throughout the chilly winter months.

Bundle Up and stay warm. Help the person living with Alzheimer’s or dementia dress warmly for the winter weather. Ensuring the person with dementia is dressed appropriately for the colder months is crucial because they may not always remember to do so. Layering is essential for staying warm, and cotton, wool, or fleecy fibers are the most effective materials for retaining body heat. Removing layers as necessary based on the environment to prevent overheating.

Remember that the head and neck lose a lot of heat, so make sure the person wears a scarf and hat if you’re going outside. Gloves are also essential to keep hands nice and warm and ensure suitable footwear, such as non-skid boots if it’s icy or snowy.

Keep the house warm and cozy. Keep blankets close at hand for persons living with dementia so they can see it in view and reach for it should they feel cold. A good, energy-efficient temperature for a house in winter is 68°F (20°C) when you’re home and awake, as recommended by the Department of Energy (DOE)environment.

Encourage Physical Activity and Eat and Drink regularly.

Maintaining physical activity can improve circulation and assist in keeping a person living with dementia warm. Therefore, we want to encourage them to move around routinely throughout the day. Simply getting the person to move their arms, legs and wiggle their toes even if walking may be difficult or going outside is challenging due to poor weather conditions can be beneficial.

Staying warm requires a lot of energy and a warm house increases dehydration risk. During the winter months it is critical to ensure that a person living with dementia eats regular meals and gets adequate hydration. A nice warm beverage and snacks can help maintain energy levels throughout the day.

Sunshine on my shoulders makes me happy. Make the daylight last.

In the winter a person living with dementia may experience more confusion, anxiety and even depression due to less sunlight. You can help by exposing them to natural daylight whenever possible. Getting outside whenever you can, even for a short walk or a brief period sitting in the yard or on your front porch can have a great impact.

Keep your curtains open throughout the day to let in as much daylight as possible. Additionally, you may arrange the furniture such that the person living with dementia can sit next to a window. Turn on indoor lights earlier making sure lights and lamps are on when the natural light begins to diminish, even looking to install motion detection lighting for safer navigation.

Be prepared and Buddy Up.

Check on weather conditions regularly for impending storms and have emergency plans in place. Tackle your to-do lists efficiently in one trip during the cold season and consider rescheduling nonurgent appointments when weather poses risk. Seek support from family members or others for helping with tasks outside the home such as running errands, taking care of grocery shopping or snow removal. Perhaps, even utilizing those oh so convenient home services.

Watch Out for Snowy or Icy Weather.

Persons living with dementia may have trouble comprehending that snow might make a surface more slippery or seeing icy patches on pavement due to perception problems. Take extra care to support the person with dementia, assist the person with smaller steps and slower movements than they usually do. Keep walkways clear and encourage use of handrails for added stability.

Keep watch for Hypothermia signs. Individuals living with dementia may find it difficult to feel and explain how cold they are because of their decline in cognitive function and awareness. Hypothermia occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it, leading to a dangerously low body temperature. Signs of hypothermia can vary depending on the severity of the condition, but may include: shivering, cold skin, fatigue, confusion or disorientation, slurred speech, shallow breathing, fumbling hands.

At Lehigh Commons, we use these strategies by offering our residents specific winter-themed activities to support well-being, including engaging sensory activities with cozy blankets and calming scents, participating in seasonal crafts, reminiscing with family photos, and maintaining a consistent daily routine to reduce anxiety and ensuring every day is filled with sunshine and creating pleasant moments.

Let’s face it, the holiday season can be hard for many reasons, especially for caregivers of loved ones experiencing memory loss. A season that is “supposed” to be filled with happiness and togetherness is often met with hustle and bustle, adjusted routines, change in weather patterns and overall unpredictability that can impact the mood and health of individuals with dementia. That is why during the upcoming holiday seasons more than ever, maintaining holiday traditions matters — no matter how big or small, can lead to peace, joy, comfort, gratitude and support.

Peace
Many individuals experiencing a dementia diagnosis struggle with short-term memory, but the long-term emotional memories stay strong. Whether it’s going outside to watch the falling leaves, hearing a favorite hymn or Christmas carol or smelling the sweet treats baking in the kitchen—these sensory experiences trigger memories, bring peace and allow for recall of details that family members thought were forgotten. Loved ones may not remember an event or how to do something but how they feel will stick with them.

Joy
The holidays are special. It’s that “waking up on Christmas morning and knowing that meal that’s only served once a meal will be served” kind of feeling. These and many other highly anticipated and appreciated holiday happenings are things you never age out of. That is why seasonal activities like handing candy out to trick-or-treaters, decorating a tree, and celebrating spiritual traditions are priorities on our campuses. These moments spark joy and bring out nearly every resident’s playful energy that is unique to the season.

Comfort
While familiarity brings comfort, comfort may also mean having to adapt. Understanding that the loved one may have different abilities or mobilities doesn’t mean the tradition has to fall by the wayside. It may just need to be adjusted to celebrate in the here and now. Meeting residents or family members where they are along their journey can bring a lot of comfort. Maybe mom used to make the family meal, instead of not making it at all – could mom help mash the potatoes or fold the napkins to stay involved. Consider other smaller rituals such as lighting the menorah or saying the prayer before the meal to allow everyone an opportunity to contribute. The elements of these traditions may seem simple but are very meaningful.

Gratitude
It’s easy to focus on what has changed or has been lost as a result of a dementia diagnosis. What if we focused on connection over perfection? Healing can come in all forms when there is room for flexibility and a renewed sense of gratitude by just being present. The “stuff” that comes with the holidays will be forgotten, what will stick is the memory of singing songs together, sharing meals, lifting spirits with hugs and laughter.

Support
Going into the holiday season with a plan can help manage the expectations for the caregiver and their loved one. Eliminating the elements of surprise can reduce behaviors and allow the time and space to fully enjoy each other’s company. Consider these and other ideas seniors for managing the holidays:

1. Keeping it simple – Focus on recreating one or two meaningful activities rather than a full- or multi-day experience.
2. Follow the loved one’s lead – Plan time for rest and relaxation and schedule happenings around times of day that are often better for your loved one. Encourage participation but also be okay with your loved one wanting to watch the family enjoy the activity.
3. Keep gatherings small – To avoid feelings of overwhelm for the your loved one and the caregiver, consider keeping gatherings small and intimate in nature. Preparing guests for how to best interact with their loved one – such as explaining they may have to identify themselves a few times can also help in comfortability.
4. Roll with the emotions – All the emotions that come with caregiving are normal and will likely be heightened during the holiday season. Ride the emotional waves and seek support. Remember you are not alone.

This holiday season, we invite you to embrace the celebrations no matter what form they take this year. Take the opportunity to connect, reflect, reminisce and enjoy all these intangible joys that come with the holidays. Because, as Linus famously said “Isn’t that what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown…”

Country Meadows Retirement Communities of Allentown is here to help. Reach out to one of our advisors for guidance and support.

Heather Glen Senior Living & Memory Care Community

In the heart of the Lehigh Valley, Heather Glen Senior Living is proud to stand out as a beacon of care, compassion, and integrity—as well as a community. As we embrace the spirit of gratitude this Thanksgiving season, we’re not only dedicated to providing exceptional senior personal and memory care, but also deeply committed to giving back to the community that has welcomed us with open arms. At Heather Glen, we believe in the power of collective kindness, and our residents and staff are actively involved in making a positive impact.

This year, as part of our ongoing efforts, we are bringing back our “Together We Give” program, a testament to our dedication to creating a dementia-friendly and supportive environment for everyone in the Lehigh Valley. In November, Heather Glen Senior Living will match all monetary donations made to Dementia Friendly Lehigh Valley (DFLV), up to $1,000 in honor of National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month.

About the “Together We Give” program

November marks National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about dementia and support organizations that are making a difference. In honor of this important month, Heather Glen Senior Living has launched a special donation match program—“Together We Give.” Throughout November, we are matching all monetary donations made to Dementia Friendly Lehigh Valley (DFLV) up to $1,000. DFLV, an organization close to our hearts, provides invaluable resources to healthcare providers, first responders, and community members to help them recognize and respond sensitively to people living with dementia. Their vision aligns with ours—making the Lehigh Valley a place where people living with dementia can maintain connection, community, and their favorite activities, regardless of their cognitive changes.

How to donate to the “Together We Give” program

To make the most of this season of giving, your generous tax-deductible donations can be made online at dementiaLV.org between now and December 3^rd. You can also contribute via a check made out to Humanitarian Social Innovations, the fiscal sponsor for Dementia Friendly Lehigh Valley (DFLV). Please indicate your donation is for DFLV in the memo of your check. Checks can be mailed to or dropped off at Heather Glen Senior Living, 415 Blue Barn Road, Allentown, PA 18104. Donations must be received by December 3^rd, 2025. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those living with dementia in our community, which is an incredibly large part of the Heather Glen mission.

At Heather Glen Senior Living, we believe that the true essence of community lies in giving back, not just during Thanksgiving—but all year long. Through our “Together We Give” program and various community initiatives, we aim to create a nurturing environment where compassion knows no bounds. Together, we can make a difference, fostering a community where everyone is valued, supported, and cherished. Join us in our journey of giving back, ensuring that the Lehigh Valley remains a place of connection, kindness, and endless possibilities for all.

The mission of Heather Glen

Approximately 25,000 individuals in the Lehigh Valley are living with Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders. And, let us not forget the caregivers and other loved ones affected by the disease. The importance of having a local senior living and memory care community like Heather Glen Senior Living is greater than ever.

Heather Glen’s mission is to offer premier personal care and memory care services within the greater Lehigh Valley area. Our first commitment is to ensure your loved one receives the best care and assistance available. We create an attractive, homelike living environment with a focus on comfort and compassion. All of our services and amenities provide everything your loved one needs in a Senior Living and Memory community.

At Heather Glen Senior Living, we’ve created a neighborhood-like environment that fosters a strong sense of community and individual connection. Our stunning central atrium and vast common areas are bathed in natural light – making them the perfect spots for relaxation, socializing, and staying active. We believe that a combination of community living and top-notch care is key to creating a space where seniors can thrive right here in the Lehigh Valley.

Experience the Heather Glen difference today! Let our legacy of trust and quality guide you into this next stage of life.

If you’d like to learn more about our “Together We Give” program or the Heather Glen Senior Living mission, don’t hesitate to give us a call at (610) 841-4478 or fill out our online form today.

Alan Allegra | July 31, 2025

The brain is the most complex part of the human body. This three-pound organ is the seat of intelligence, the interpreter of the senses, the initiator of bodily movement, and the controller of behavior. It is the crown jewel of the human body.

Your brain regulates everything you do, like your senses, emotions, thoughts, memories, movement, and behavior. It even controls body processes you don’t have to think about, like your breathing, body temperature, and your heart rate. Everything that makes you uniquely individual comes from your brain.

The brain is one of the hardest-working organs in the body. When the brain is healthy, it functions quickly and automatically. But when problems occur, the results can be devastating. Knowing more about your brain can motivate you to maintain brain health and improve many areas of your overall health.

You can see how important it is to keep your brain healthy. As of now, there is no standard definition of “brain health,” but there are many resources and guidelines available to help you keep your brain as healthy as possible.

You have heard about building a better mousetrap. How about building a better thought-trap? The brain you are born with is not necessarily the brain you have all your life.

“We’re having a brain-health revolution.” So says Dr. Sandra Bond Chapman, founder of the Center for BrainHealth at the University of Texas at Dallas. Dr. Chapman believes we have entered a new age of understanding brain health that is benefiting brain research and giving hope to those of us who are aging—which is all of us.

Recent medical journals have reported that perhaps “35% of dementia cases might be prevented if people do things including exercising and engaging in cognitively stimulating activities” (The Lancet). Many factors weigh in when seeking to prevent dementia, most of which are under a person’s control. These include obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, inactivity, social isolation, and low education levels. Of course, there are other variables and risk factors, but there is increasing evidence that positive lifestyle changes can improve one’s chances of maintaining a healthy brain.

Simple brain exercises that stimulate learning, such as reading books and magazines, playing games, and using computers, help delay the onset of memory and thinking problems. Makes sense—if you want to build up your thinking “muscles,” do thinking exercises.

The brain we are born with is constantly developing neurons and neural connections, and that means it is possible to turn back the clock on aging, even for people with mild cognitive problems. With certain lifestyle modifications, people with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) showed significant improvement in abilities that decline with age, such as planning, judgment, and processing speed. Studies show that people with MCI are more likely to develop Alzheimer’s, so reducing MCI can help prevent—or at least slow down the progression of—Alzheimer’s.

Since there is evidence that it is possible to delay or avoid age-related memory loss, you are probably anxious to learn some broad strategies for building that better brain.

Dietary changes include drinking more water and eating healthier foods. The brain is composed of 80% water. So, dehydration is detrimental to brain health. Drink more water! Inflammation can affect the brain, so eat more plant foods, healthy fats, and omega-3s, and less saturated fats and processed foods.

Take heart—and get it pumping with periods of heart-pumping activity, like a short walk or bike ride. This produces chemicals that help grow and protect brain cells. And, keep that blood pressure down!

After all that exercise, get plenty of sleep. While you rest, your system flushes toxins, so if you have sleep problems, consult your physician.

Mental exercise is valuable as well. Find a way to meditate and practice mindfulness. There are also programs that sharpen attention, reasoning, and creative thinking skills.

Bottom line: Don’t let your brain sit around—socialize, read, write, play, ponder, and do anything that wakes up your brain cells and keeps them alert!

So, use the brain you were born with, and don’t forget to keep it growing and glowing with health!