A client in their early thirties told me recently that losing his mental faculties would be one of the scariest things he could imagine. I think most of us would agree that the thought of losing our memory or having decreased cognitive functioning is terrifying. New studies are showing that memory complaints are linked (across all age groups) to poor health and lifestyle factors. The bad news is that more young people are reporting memory problems. The good news is that exercise, learning, and making healthy lifestyle choices might improve your cognitive functioning.

By: Jennifer Alley, LPC

One study reported in Medical News Today suggested that thinking skills tend to be best in individuals who had better cardiovascular fitness when they were young. Another study, also from Medical News Today, said that research now shows a connection between narrowing arteries and memory issues. A new study by University of California, Los Angeles, published in PLOS ONE, found that risk factors like depression, diabetes, obesity, and smoking increased the probability of memory complaints across all age groups, including young adults (ages 18-39). And, regardless of age, the strongest risk factor found was depression for perceived memory issues.

Of course, there are genetic factors and diseases that may unfortunately negatively impact cognitive function in individuals who are making healthy lifestyle choices. However, here are tips from researchers and experts to best protect your brain:

•  Get regular exercise
•  Avoid smoking
•  Further your education/learn/keep your brain stimulated
•  Have your blood pressure checked regularly
•  Seek help/treatment for depression/depressive symptoms
•  Have an active social life
•  Eat a healthy diet
•  Get quality sleep (95% adults who get less than seven hours on a routine basis experience decreased physical and mental performance)
•  Find ways to manage your stress

We urge parents who might be reading this to help your children start learning about living a healthy life now. Here are some ideas:

•  Exercise as a family
•  Go on family walks
•  Play ball/chase/tag outside
•  Go swimming
•  Plan meals and snacks that are healthy (it’s a good idea to shop the perimeter of the grocery store where most of the whole foods are)
•  Teach them fun ways to unwind (reading, playing, taking deep breaths, moving their bodies, dancing)
•  Have consistent bedtime routines and schedules. See below to make sure everyone is getting enough sleep:
  • < 12 months old: 14-16 hours per day
  • 1-3 years old: 12-14 hours per day
  • 3-6 years old: 10-12 hours per day
  • 7-12 years old: 10-11 hours per day
  • 12-18 years old: 8-9 hours per day
  • Adults: varies but generally 7-9 hours to function optimally