Brain Health Facts

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Brain health refers to how well a person's brain functions across several areas. Aspects of brain health include:

  • Cognitive health – how well a person thinks, learns and remembers;
  • Motor function – how well a person makes and controls their movements, including balance;
  • Emotional function – how well a person interprets and responds to emotions (both pleasant and unpleasant); and
  • Tactile function – how well a person feels and responds to sensations of touch, including pleasure, pain and temperature.

Brain health can be affected by age-related changes in the brain; injuries, such as stroke or traumatic brain injury; mood disorders, like depression, substance abuse or addiction; and diseases, like Alzheimer’s disease.

Maintaining Brain Health


Recommend the steps below to help your patients maintain their brain health:

  • Encourage and monitor physical activity.
  • Monitor blood pressure, weight, and cholesterol levels to reduce and manage the risk for cardiovascular diseases.
  • Ask about any changes they have noticed in their cognitive abilities or memory.
  • Regularly review their current health conditions and talk about any medications and supplements being taken that may impact cognitive health.
  • Encourage activities that promote staying socially and intellectually engaged.
  • Ask about sleep habits and recommend getting 7-8 hours of sleep per night.