How to keep your “brain balanced”
Table of Contents
Cognitive reserve is the evidence-based idea that signs and symptoms of memory loss only appear when your brain’s capacity is overwhelmed.
Another way of thinking about this is that your brain needs to be in balance.
This article gives you a framework for balance so that you can prevent symptoms of dementia.
For the science behind “cognitive reserve”, read this.
What is a balanced brain?
You can think of cognitive reserve like a set of scales, with things that build strength on one side, and things that cause damage on the other.
This damage is either BIG (like a sudden stroke), or something that happens slowly over time (like the build up of medications, poor sleep, lack of exercise, etc).
This can also combine with things outside our immediate control, like our genetic risk.
How to find YOUR balance
Download the handout and fill it out to see where you can increase strength and reduce damage, based on your personal circumstances.
Once you know what your set of scales looks like, focus on removing things from the damage side, and adding things to the strength side.
A hypothetical set of scales after 6 months of working on dementia prevention might look like this:
An example of someone's brain balance. What would your list look like?
You can find detailed how-to guides for everything that builds strength and prevents damage when you become an aldora member.
Key tip: start now!
The best time to work on dementia prevention is BEFORE things get out of balance!
While it’s never too late, it is certainly easier to make small changes in your 30’s to 60’s, that will pay off BIG later in life.
This is particularly important in dementia prevention because damage in the brain can start 30 years before symptoms appear!
Once the damage has been there for many years or has progressed to moderate stages of dementia, it is typically too late to reverse the symptoms.
If you have a family history of dementia it’s important to start even earlier so that you can overcome your genetic risks.
It never too early or too late to start thinking about dementia prevention.
In closing…
Memory problems appear when your brain’s strength is outweighed by the damage that has occurred over a lifetime from common, preventable causes
You can add more strength and prevent damage at any time in your life
Join aldora to learn specifics for each area of dementia prevention
Disclaimer: The content on Aldora Health is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. For more read our Terms of Use.