Cognition refers to the different skills that your brain helps you perform, including your short-term memory, long-term memory, and perception of the world around you. Cognitive health refers to how well your cognition skills are performing and how sharp they are at any given moment in time, while mental health refers to how happy and well-adjusted you are in general.
Cognition is the ability to learn and understand new information and process it, can be broken down into two categories—fluid and crystallized intelligence—and both types of intelligence can play an important role in how you view your mental health. Because of this, there are several things you can do to maintain both of your cognitive health as well as other aspects of your physical health.
Various factors can influence your cognitive health and mental health, including stress and anxiety levels, the quality of your sleep cycle, the quality of your diet, and the quality of activities you engage in during your leisure time.
Cognition refers to how people think, learn, and remember. As we age, our cognitive health becomes an important part of our overall health. Making sure we are taking care of our bodies (diet and exercise) is one way to help keep your mind sharp as you get older. There are also some other things that can help boost cognitive health! And mental health
- Exercise: Exercise has been proven again and again to be a great stress reliever, mood booster, heart-healthiness enhancer—but it’s also good for maintaining cognitive health too! One study even found that regular aerobic exercise could help slow down or delay the early onset of Alzheimer's disease by 2/1/2 years—the equivalent of seven additional years without symptoms.
- Sleep: Getting enough sleep every night is so incredibly important for cognitive function. Studies have shown that short-term memory and focus both take a hit when you don't get enough sleep,, especially after just one night of less than 5 hours of sleep per night. Make sure you're getting at least 7 hours per night and try not to nap during the day if possible because napping can cause grogginess when it's time to wake up and go back to work.
- Fish Oil: Fish Oil offers numerous benefits including reducing inflammation, lowering blood pressure, preventing cardiovascular disease and more! Turns out they're also excellent brain food as well. Research suggests that Omega 3 fatty acids may promote healthy brain cell membranes while protecting against Alzheimer's disease and dementia
- Cognitive Health Supplements: A lot of people talk about taking Vitamin D supplements being essential for bone and muscle health, but did you know it helps with cognitive function too? It's true! Our bodies need vitamin D to absorb calcium from foods, which is vital for bone growth and maintenance. But beyond bone health, studies suggest vitamin D may aid in cognitive performance so make sure you're getting your daily dose!
If you notice yourself having difficulty remembering, concentrating or making decisions, it may be a sign of impaired cognitive health. Signs of cognitive impairment can include: memory loss, trouble with learning new information, misplacing items and struggling to find words. Although such symptoms can occur due to factors such as sleep deprivation or traumatic brain injury, they could also indicate Alzheimer’s disease.
Researchers have discovered that certain mental exercises might actually help slow down or even reverse signs of cognitive decline in adults over age 60. The researchers found that participants who completed five weeks of mentally stimulating activities (such as learning new skills, solving puzzles, playing games and engaging in group discussions) saw significant improvements in their memory and thinking skills compared to participants who were given arts-and-crafts classes. So while you can’t turn back time, you can increase your odds for having a sharp mind well into old age with simple lifestyle changes—no matter what your genes say about your chances for early-onset Alzheimer’s disease.
For years, people have been turning to nootropics in hopes of improving their mental performance and cognitive health. An Australian study shows that an ingredient commonly found in various nootropic supplements can make you smarter by allowing you to process information more quickly. Aptly named cognizin – due to its cognizant effects on cognition – it is derived from a fruit called Kiwifruit (scientific name: Actinidia deliciosa). In simple terms, Cognizin supplements improve one’s cognitive abilities such as learning new skills or information faster and making quicker decisions, and helping in improving cognitive health.
Tuna, soda, and bacon are among foods that could hurt your cognitive health. Your brain is made up of billions of neurons that send signals to one another through a complex electrical system. Toxins, poor diet, and other factors can disrupt these signals and cause symptoms like depression, anxiety, and chronic pain. In order to stay healthy in mind and body, it’s important to consume good food—like vegetables, fruits, and whole grains—that help improve cognitive health. Here are several tips for choosing healthy food options.