Five ways to protect your brain power
If you're feeling fuzzy-brained, it may be from stress, an inflammatory diet, lack of physical activity (gotta get your blood and oxygen flowing smoothly to your brain) or chronic insomnia. Many lifestyle habits elevate blood pressure, impair brain cell and neuron activity and interfere with executive function and memory.
That's why you want to make sure your blood pressure is healthy (aim for 115/70), you don't have gingivitis or periodontal disease, you correct vision or hearing problems pronto and are up-to-date with the two-part shingles vaccine.
1. Elevated blood pressure erodes the integrity of blood vessels in the brain and that increases stroke risk and ups cognition problems by around 10%. Make sure to take your blood pressure medication, achieve a healthy weight and enjoy exercise.
2. Gum disease increases inflammation and fuels cognition problems. But one study found that folks at high risk for Alzheimer's disease were able to slash their risk by 32% with regular flossing and by 28% with regular dental visits.
3-4. Loss of hearing or vision acuity dampens stimulation to the brain and reduces social interactions, both known to impair cognition. Get tested -- and corrected.
5. An unexpected benefit of the flu and shingles vaccines is a reduction of inflammation of nerves and blood vessels, including those in the brain, and a lowering of the risk of Alzheimer's disease by 20%.
Put these five brain-protecting steps together, and you'll be doing a lot to keep your mind sharp at every age. For more brain-boosting techniques, check out my book "The Great Age Reboot."
Health pioneer Michael Roizen, M.D., is chief wellness officer emeritus at the Cleveland Clinic and author of four No. 1 New York Times bestsellers. Check out his latest, "The Great Age Reboot: Cracking the Longevity Code for a Younger Tomorrow," and find out more at www.4YOUngevity.com. Email your health and wellness questions to Dr. Mike at questions@4YOUngevity.com.
(c)2026 Michael Roizen, M.D.
Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
(c) 2026 Michael Roizen, M.D. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
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