5 ways to keep your brain active

Numerous factors have been shown to be protective against the development of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's. Dr Raquel Sánchez-Valle, Head of the Clínic's Neurology Service, and Dr Francesc Valldeoriola, an expert neurologist in Parkinson's disease, explain that keeping the body – as well as the mind – in shape is crucial to prevent this type of disease. Some of these protective factors are: 

Educational level 

Brain stimulation is important throughout life, not just in old age. It is often said that "Alzheimer's is a disease of older people that begins in childhood," says Dr Sánchez-Valle, as educational level has been shown to be a protective factor for the development of Alzheimer's and dementia.

Training the brain 

Both as protection and to slow deterioration when the disease is already present, you have to make your brain work. But what are the best activities for an active brain? According to Dr Sánchez-Valle, "Any activity that forces you to make an effort intellectually and that you like." In addition, she adds that "It is not that one activity has been shown to be better than another, but one that you find really stimulating is better than another that you don’t." So, learning a language, playing an instrument, playing a sport or a board game are entirely beneficial activities that help take care of your brain. 

Social interaction 

Being socially active has been observed as a factor that protects against Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. In addition, if the intellectual challenges we set ourselves to keep our brains active also include social interaction – e.g., by playing a team sport – the benefit is even greater. 

Heart and brain 

“Everything that is good for the heart is good for the brain,” emphasises Dr Sánchez-Valle. Therefore, controlling cardiovascular risk factors will also help take care of the brain. For example, not having high blood pressure, diabetes or smoking, while enjoying a healthy diet.   

Physical activity 

As well as helping to improve physical health, exercise is also beneficial for the brain. It is known that 30 minutes of moderate physical activity a day is the recommended daily activity for adults. This time can also be concentrated in 2 days a week.  

The sport of choice should not be one liable to cause head injuries, but there are no studies that suggest that any specific sport is better than another to prevent these diseases. The main thing is to enjoy the activity so that it is much easier for you to do it repeatedly.  

Although the origin of neurodegenerative diseases is not known, Dr Sánchez-Valle and Dr Valldeoriola explain a series of protective factors has been seen to reduce the probability of developing them, although this risk is never zero. “The more you reduce the risk, the better your chances. But, even if you do everything right, there are still people who end up affected,” they clarify.