Four Tenets for a Healthy Brain
Whether you are actively managing known risk for disease , or simply want to take control of healthy aging , these four universal truths can help you navigate everyday behaviors to keep your brain ’ s health in focus . If they are all you take away from this guide , they will still help you make healthy choices for yourself and your loved ones !
What ’ s good for your body is good for your brain .
You already know that exercising regularly and eating a balanced diet can keep your heart , muscles and bones healthy . These activities also can boost your brain health . Your brain will thank you for practicing healthy habits as a routine part of your daily life . You don ’ t have to run a marathon or join a gym ; a short walk around the neighborhood is a great place to start . Similarly , no one eats healthy all the time , but swapping highly processed or high-fat / high-calorie foods for lean proteins , leafy greens , fruits and vegetables , and other minimally processed foods even a few times a week can make a difference to brain health .
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Change is a normal part of getting older ; disease is not .
Our bodies and brains naturally change with age . But disease , such as Parkinson ’ s or Alzheimer ’ s , is not a “ normal ” or expected part of getting older . Learn what to watch for and how to talk to your loved ones and doctor about any changes you notice . It ’ s better to gather evidence-based information from trusted sources , like your doctor , than to live with toxic worry and stress — these are not good for your brain or any other part of your health .
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04 The Michael J . Fox Foundation for Parkinson ’ s Research