What starts as brain fog on a stressful day at work can quickly turn into a more serious health concern if not closely monitored or taken care of. With 21.3% of African Americans over the age of 70 living with Alzheimer’s disease or some other form of dementia, as reported by the Alzheimer’s Association, it’s safe to say that brain health is something that should be factored into daily health care routines, but it often isn’t discussed.
While the root cause of the condition has yet to be discovered, there has been some research conducted surrounding the link to Alzheimer’s disease and diabetes. Often, for young adults, brain health isn’t at the forefront of their minds because the decline is so prevalent in mature adults, and it seems like something not to worry about. In the African American community, much of the aging process is tied to being forgetful and the occasional confusion, but it’s not always discussed as a health concern associated with it.
This blanket lack of concern is what allows declining brain health to progress to more serious health concerns, such as Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. However, if caught early, this progression can be halted, allowing treatment and, in some cases, even reversing the effects.
According to a medically reviewed article published by WebMD, things such as lack of sleep and poor diet choices can be factors that contribute to negative brain health. Specifically for Black Americans, they have a higher likelihood of experiencing brain health issues that could result in Alzheimer’s disease, based on other health conditions tied to vascular health, and higher cortisol levels stemming from chronic stress take a toll on brain health. While day-to-day activities can negatively impact the brain, there are still actions that can be taken for preventive care in the future.
Improving and maintaining brain health can be found in small adjustments to routine that can make a difference. Adjustments such as getting a healthy amount of sleep each night, engaging socially with others to increase brain activity, and regular exercise to increase blood flow to the brain are strong methods for supporting brain health.
Experts also recommend finding ways to stimulate the mind. Whether it’s doing a puzzle with a friend, learning a new language, or reading a complex body of text, all of these activities can help to keep your brain stimulated. According to Healthline, activities such as Scrabble, Sudoku, and crossword puzzles help to “exercise” the brain to improve focus, memory, and concentration. Creative hobbies can also help fuel brain exercise and build one’s neurological reserve, which supports the brain’s capacity to withstand physical damage and support regular cognitive processes.
Brain health proactiveness shouldn’t just be reserved for those in their later years of life; it should be observed across all age groups. With the efforts of local organizations such as Black Leaders For Brain Health and national organizations like The National Brain Health Center For African Americans, brain-related health concerns can be addressed over time through habit-building and sharing what is learned with others.