Everyone has their own little habits. Some good and some bad. But did you know some of the habits you have may be negatively affecting your brain health?
Living with an Untreated Hearing Loss
First and foremost, treat your hearing loss. Studies have shown that an untreated hearing loss can accelerate cognitive decline. Studies have also shown that those with an untreated hearing loss have less gray brain matter, which means the brain is shrinking. You deserve to clearly hear all those voices and sounds you love so much, while keeping your brain healthy. Make sure to call Lemme Audiology at (814) 941-7770 to schedule your hearing evaluation and hearing aid consult.
Too Much Alone Time
Everyone likes to have alone time, but humans are social beings. Even if it’s regular contact with just a few close friends or relatives, these connections can bring happiness and make one more productive. Those who are more productive are less likely to suffer from cognitive decline. Social interactions also stimulate the brain. A study by the University of Michigan found that even just 10 minutes per day of conversation with another person improved memory and cognition. That is why it’s important to treat a hearing loss, it keeps one connected with people and in the conversation.
Being a Couch Potato
Those who go without regular exercise or movement are more likely to suffer from dementia, diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure. A UCLA study even concluded that people who are more sedentary have thinning in their brain regions linked to memory. You don’t have to start doing triathlons, but walking for about 30 minutes a day three times a week would be good start.
Living in the Shadows
Research has shown that sunlight keeps your brain working well and fends off depression. So, get outside and do some gardening or get that 30 minutes of walking in. Regular exposure to natural light can boost your mood and cognitive function. Just don’t forget to spray on some sunscreen!
Not Drinking Enough
No, we are not talking about alcohol! Being dehydrated can actually contribute to cognitive dysfunction. One’s executive function, which are cognitive processes one needs to control behavior, can be compromised if one is dehydrated. Dehydration can also affect one’s ability to pay attention and increase their reaction time. So, drink up! Remember, you know you’re drinking enough when your urine is a pale yellow color. If your urine is dark yellow, that means your body needs more water.
Not Sleeping Enough
We get it. Sometimes there are just not enough hours in the day to get everything done. But, getting enough sleep is vital to a healthy brain. Lack of sleep can slow down your thinking and also your reaction time. How your brain processes information and consolidates memories also suffers from a lack of sleep. Take action for your brain and body by being certain to get enough sleep. A solid seven to eight hours of sleep should be the goal. If you are having trouble getting enough sleep because your tinnitus is keeping you awake, take a look at how our Tinnitus Management Program can help you by visiting https://www.lemmeaudiology.com/tinnitus-management-program/
With these habits that can negatively affect your brain and cognition in mind, when is the last time you had a cognition screening? At Lemme Audiology Associates, we offer our patients a Cognivue cognition screening when they come in for a hearing evaluation. Not only is it a fun and easy little screening that is FDA approved, our cognition screenings check for any issues and decline in:
- Your Executive Function
- Your Memory
- Your Brain’s Reaction Time
- Your Brain’s Processing Speed
- Your Visuospatial (the ability to process and interpret visual information about where objects are in space and in relation to ourselves
When you call Lemme Audiology Associates at (814) 941-7770 for your hearing evaluation, make sure to ask for your Cognivue cognition screening!
Information Sources :
https://www.webmd.com/alzheimers/ss/slideshow-bad-brain-habits
https://www.onhealth.com/content/1/health_habits_dementia_alzheimers_bad_brain
https://www.businessinsider.com/7-bad-habits-that-can-damage-brain-function-cognitive-health-2020-6
