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Today's Takeaway with Florine Mark


Dec 26, 2022

With Board-Certified Neurology Specialist, Dr. Marina Novikova

 

As we grow older, it’s only natural that our bodies don’t respond as they once did. Our hearing or eyesight might not be what it used to be, our reflexes may be a bit slower, and our balance might be off. Just as our bodies age, our brains might also begin showing signs of cognitive decline. We find ourselves misplacing keys or cell phones, and even forgetting the names of people or places we’ve known for years. While it’s not uncommon for our brains to slow down as we age, it’s also not inevitable. Even if we do notice a change, there are numerous ways we can slow the progression of any cognitive disability, and even improve our memory. The same healthy habits that are already linked to better physical health can also help maximize brain health. Sometimes, things like limiting alcohol and sugar consumption, avoiding tobacco, and exercising regularly help keep our bodies healthy and lessen the risk of early cognitive decline.

 

There are other ways we can stay mentally active and alert. If you 

would like to learn more about the simple changes you can begin taking today to maximize your brain’s cognitive ability, then you’ll want to hear my interview with board-certified neurology specialist, Dr. Marina Novikova with Henry Ford Health.

 

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

  • What is cognitive decline and what are the early symptoms?
  • The important role that diet and sufficient vitamins play in brain health and cognition, specifically B12.
  • The difference between normal cognitive decline and symptoms of a serious brain disorder.
  • If you suspect a problem with cognition, who should you first go to on your healthcare team?
  • How sugar and inflammatory foods affect our brain and cognition.
  • A few simple things you can do now to maintain healthy cognitive function later.
  • What's the relationship between high blood sugar or high cholesterol and a decline in cognitive function?
  • The role that anxiety and depression play in cognitive decline and how we can seek help for problems with these issues.
  • Why are sleep and proper rest crucial for a healthy brain?
  • What specific brain exercises might help brain function?

 

Today’s Takeaway:

As we age, our brains slow down and begin to show signs of mental decline. But we can slow normal cognitive impairment by taking steps to optimize memory and brain function. Just as with a computer, our brain functions as the body's hard drive and control panel. But it requires regular care and proper maintenance.  Just as we engage in physical exercise to strengthen and tone our bodies, we need to exercise our mind too in order to maintain functionality and overall brain health.  We stay mentally active by continuing to set goals and try new things.  I’m Florine Mark and that’s “Today’s Takeaway.”

 

Quotes:

  • “Cognitive decline is a change in your cognition. It doesn’t have to be memory, but it can be a change in how fast you process new information, comprehension, or a change in your moods.” — Dr. Marina
  • “Life constantly gives us some unknowns and we don’t really have that much control over it. But, we can potentially control how we react to it.” — Dr. Marina
  • “Anxiety and depression often affect memory and cognition.” — Dr. Marina
  • “You have to push yourself a little bit further and try new things.” — Dr. Marina
  • “The most important thing you can do is physical activity. It increases the blood flow to the brain and activates the brain in a different way.” — Dr. Marina
  • “We know that certain stages of sleep are very important for our brain health in general.” — Dr. Marina

 

Brought to You By:

Gardner White Furniture

 

Mentioned in This Episode:

Dr. Marina Novikova

Henry Ford Health