June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, which makes many of us think about the many aspects of brain health which are beyond our control, and the many that are not. This month we take time to pause, plan, and protect one of the most precious gifts we have: our brain!
When most people think about brain health, they think about crossword puzzles, memory games, or learning new things. While these activities certainly have value, researchers are increasingly focusing on a concept known as “cognitive reserve.” According to the National Institute on Aging (www.nia.nih.gov), cognitive reserve refers to the brain’s ability to adapt and find alternate ways of completing tasks as we age. Think of it as a savings account for your brain. The more we challenge ourselves with new experiences, the more connections our brains build over time.
The surprising part is that simply repeating the same activities over and over, may not provide the same benefit as trying something new! Learning a musical instrument, taking a different route home, joining a club, learning a new technology, tackling a hobby you’ve never tried before, or even using your non-dominant hand for simple tasks can challenge the brain in ways that strengthen neural connections. According to the Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org), lifelong learning and staying mentally engaged may help support brain health as we age.
Physical activity also plays a major role. Research continues to show that exercise benefits both the body and the brain by improving blood flow, supporting cardiovascular health, and reducing risk factors associated with cognitive decline. When you partner this with “something new,” you have a double delight of learning something new with building strength, stamina, and other health factors. While you may think I am too old to start something new, there is no age where exercise becomes restricted. Often, we restrict ourselves due to fear, access of information or just not knowing where to start, this is where The Wellness Center thrives. While we offer dozens of classes, our senior classes are packed and often sold out, it’s people trying “something new!”
Sleep is another often-overlooked piece of the puzzle. According to the Mayo Clinic (www.mayoclinic.org), sleep is essential for memory formation, learning, and overall brain function. Chronic sleep deprivation doesn’t just leave us tired, it can affect concentration, decision-making, and long-term health. This is also why “drowsy driving,” is so dangerous. Many professionals have sleep and rest requirements to perform safely, and the same goes for our brains too!
Here in the NEK, we are fortunate to live in a community that encourages active lifestyles. Whether you’re gardening, hiking local trails, volunteering, participating in community events, or taking a class at The Wellness Center, you’re supporting both physical and cognitive health. Of course, protecting our brains isn’t about keeping them active. It’s also about keeping them safe. North Country Hospital continues to prioritize the health and wellness of our communities, especially those on wheels. We are excited to say that the PHAT Program: Protect Your Head At All Times, is back.
Led by Ryane Davis, Family Specialist Coordinator in North Country Pediatrics, the program helps ensure that children are properly fitted and learning how to wear helmets correctly. It’s a hands-on effort that reflects North Country Hospital’s commitment to prevention while supporting the Brain Injury Alliance of Vermont’s important message: Protect Your Head At All Times. As summer arrives and bicycles, scooters, skateboards, and outdoor adventures become part of daily life, protecting our brains means thinking about both long-term health and immediate safety. Are you protecting your head at all times? This also matters during construction, and other activities where you may be at risk.
The brain is remarkable. It helps us learn, remember, connect, create, and experience the world around us. The best way to honor that gift is to challenge it, care for it, and protect it every day. What would serve us well this month is to remember that the brain doesn’t grow from doing the same thing repeatedly. It grows when we give it something new to figure out. It needs rest, just like you! It also needs protection! Wear your helmet when moving fast on the street, in the snow or working hard. With the honor and awareness of Alzheimer’s and Brain, start protecting your brain today!