Tips to Improve Cognition
- Stephanie Soto
- Aug 13
- 2 min read
As we get older, cognitive changes can occur. They can also occur in Parkinson's disease. This may include forgetfulness, difficulty maintain focus and attention, memory loss, slower thinking. Let's discuss ways you can improve your cognition, today.
Exercise
Aerobic and resistance exercise helps our brain stay healthy. Aiming to exercise 150 minutes every week at a moderate to high intensity is key. Exercise can help improve attention, executive function, processing, and reaction time.
Mindfulness
Mindfulness forces us to focus on one thing at a time without any distractions. This can help improve cognition, processing, and keeping attention.
Diet
High processed foods are tied with worsening cognition. On the other hand, eating a healthy diet can really help. Eating whole grains, leafy greens, nuts and seeds, beans and legumes, berries, and fish are so important for cognition and brain health.
Try your best to avoid butter, fried food, fast food, and sugar.
Sleep
Quality sleep of 7-9 hours helps our strengthen our memory and cognitive status. It can also help remove abnormal proteins that have been associated with memory loss. Make sure you limit your screen time before bed, sleep in a quiet and dark room, and maintain a regular sleep-wake schedule.
Socialize
Older adults who maintain healthy social relationships have a lower risk of cognitive decline. Those who are more socially isolated have more loneliness, worsening processing and memory. In fact, social isolation is linked to a 50% increase risk of dementia and premature death. It also is linked to an increased risk of heart disease and stroke. Loneliness can also increase anxiety and depression.
Speech-language pathologist
Seeing a speech-language pathologist to assess for cognitive changes, who can then work with you to improve your cognitive function can make a significant impact on your cognition. They can create a treatment plan that is tailored to you and your impairments.
Medication
Speak with your neurologist if you are experiencing cognitive changes. There are several different types of medication that could be helpful.
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