10 Brain Health Myths You Should Stop Believing
Authored by Dr. Sweta Sahu, Physician in Healthy Ageing & Preventive Brain Health, Founder of ActiveMind Daily and MedResearch Ninja
Myth 1: Loss of memory is normal with aging;
It is extremely common to forget small things as we age but significant loss of memory is not normal as we grow older. There can be many severe memory related problems that one may face in daily life indicating certain conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease or Dementia. But these cognitive conditions can be managed and even be avoided by maintaining healthy habits, early diagnosis and proper and timely medical care.
Myth 2: We only use 10% of our brain;
One of the most common and widely known myths is that we only use 10% of our brain, but it has no scientific basis. There are studies such as brain imaging that shows every part of the brain has a specific function to perform, they remain active at different times throughout the day. Simple activities that we perform like reading, speaking, even walking etc requires multiple brain regions to work together.
Myth 3: Playing brain related games can prevent Dementia;
Various brain engaging games like solving puzzles or crosswords and brain training apps improve thinking skills but are not a guaranteed way to prevent dementia. In reality our brain health depends on a combination of physical exercise, balanced nutrition, quality sleep, stress management, and also social engagement. Mental exercises are helpful but they should be a part of an overall healthy lifestyle.
Myth 4: Intelligence cannot be changed after a certain age;
It is a very popular belief that our intelligence is fixed after we reach a certain age. This is untrue as the brain remains adaptable throughout our life through a process called neuroplasticity. Mental activities such as reading, learning new skills like musical instruments, taking courses etc. strengthen neural connections and improve cognitive abilities no matter your age.
Myth 5: Helathy lifestyle can be achieved by taking supplements;
There are many products available that claim to boost your memory or sharpen thinking but in reality most of the brain health related supplements lack scientific evidence supporting their actual effectiveness. There is no such pill that can effectively replace the benefits of regular exercise, adequate and proper sleep, healthy food habits and good stress management. A healthy lifestyle is the most reliable way to maintain and support long term brain function.
Myth 6: Forgetfulness with age is always Alzheimer’s disease;
Its common to occasionally forgets names, misplace keys or miss some appointments. Such lapses happen mostly due to distraction, mental stress and fatigue rather than Alzheimer’s disease. But certain persistent memory losses ans problems that worsen over long period of time which affect daily life activities should be evaluated by a healthcare professional. Occassional forgetfulness is common and mostly harmless.
Myth 7: New skills can’t be learned by older adults;
Age has nothing to do with learning, it does not prevent an individual to learn. Learning speed might change sometimes with age but older adults can successfully learn new languages, computer skills, hobbies and other professional knowledge. In fact continuous learning improves and help maintain cognitive function while improving confidence and also overall well being of an individual in old age.
Myth 8: Only your mood gets affected by stress;
It is commonly believed that stress only influences our emotions but chronic stress may also affect your memory, concentration and decision making skills. High levels of stress hormones over long period of time can intefere with a helathy brain function. One should practice certain relaxation techniques and maintain social support, getting adequate rest, etc. which reduces the harmful effects of stress on the brain.
Myth 9: Sleeping less leads to more productivity;
There are many who take pride in sleeping very little, often believing it allows them to accomplish more. In reality, sleeping less actually reduces attention, memory, creativity and problem solving abilities. The brain organizes memories, repair cells and clear other waste products during the time we sleep. It is suggested for adults to al least seven to nine hours of quality sleep on daily basis to support optimal brain performance.
Myth 10: You can’t do anything to protect your brain;
Its true genetics influence our brain health but your lifestyle choices play a major role in reducing the risk of cognitive decline. Activities such as regular physical exercise, a balanced diet, avoiding tobacco, limiting excessive alcohol intake, staying mentally active and maintaing strong aocial connections, all contribute towards a better brain health. Small daily habits and activities can have a significant impact over time.
Conclusion:
Believing in common myths about brain health can prevent people from making informed decisions about their well being and brain health. Various scientific studies show that the brain remains active, adaptable and very capable to change throughout our lifespan. Instead of relying on various misconceptions or miracle like solutions, we should focus on proven facts and habits such as regular exercise, healthy eating, lifelong learning, quality sleep and stress management and also social interaction. Understanding such facts empowers us to take proper care of our brain and help in sharper thinking, better memory and improved quality of life for years to come.