Here are the habits that can boost your brain function.
The research draws data from The BrainHealth Project, an initiative launched in 2020 to better understand how people can strengthen and optimize brain health across the lifespan. Initial outcomes paint a hopeful picture of lifelong brain potential demonstrating measurable gains in thinking clarity, emotional well-being, and sense of purpose after engaging in brief daily brain-training activities. Results highlight the brain’s continued capacity for growth through neuroplasticity and reinforce the value of consistent habits such as targeted brain training, regular exercise, healthy eating, minimizing distractions, learning new skills, and maintaining meaningful social connections.Using the BrainHealth Index (BHI), a patent-pending tool developed by Center for BrainHealth, researchers can measure clarity, emotional balance, and connectedness to people and purpose. Findings reinforce a growing shift toward proactive brain health and suggest that meaningful cognitive growth remains possible throughout life. Continued participation in evidence-based brain health programs and further research through initiatives such as The BrainHealth Project can help expand understanding of how individuals of all ages strengthen resilience, performance and overall well-being.Read more at the Real Simple
Overview
A new study from UT Dallas’ Center for BrainHealth finds brain health can improve at any age, challenging the belief that mental sharpness inevitably declines over time. Findings align closely with their mission to strengthen and optimize brain performance across the lifespan through proactive, science-based approaches.“”
“This study challenges the prevailing narrative of inevitable cognitive decline, suggesting instead that brain health can be proactively cultivated at any age. ... Those who are starting at the lowest level appear to have the most opportunity for growth and may be coming in with more pre-existing concerns. As such, they may be more motivated to invest the time needed to see more growth potential.”
Lori Cook, PhD, CCC-SLP
Director of Clinical Research, Center for BrainHealth
Key Takeaways
- A three-year study found that brain health — including thinking clarity, emotional well-being, and sense of purpose — can improve at any age, even in participants who started with the lowest baseline scores.
- Improvements are tied to neuroplasticity with consistent daily habits (as little as five to 15 minutes of brain training daily) were most closely linked to measurable gains.
- Simple habits support brain health at any age: regular exercise and a Mediterranean-style diet, minimizing multitasking, taking short tech-free breaks, learning new skills and cultivating meaningful relationships.
The research draws data from The BrainHealth Project, an initiative launched in 2020 to better understand how people can strengthen and optimize brain health across the lifespan. Initial outcomes paint a hopeful picture of lifelong brain potential demonstrating measurable gains in thinking clarity, emotional well-being, and sense of purpose after engaging in brief daily brain-training activities. Results highlight the brain’s continued capacity for growth through neuroplasticity and reinforce the value of consistent habits such as targeted brain training, regular exercise, healthy eating, minimizing distractions, learning new skills, and maintaining meaningful social connections.Using the BrainHealth Index (BHI), a patent-pending tool developed by Center for BrainHealth, researchers can measure clarity, emotional balance, and connectedness to people and purpose. Findings reinforce a growing shift toward proactive brain health and suggest that meaningful cognitive growth remains possible throughout life. Continued participation in evidence-based brain health programs and further research through initiatives such as The BrainHealth Project can help expand understanding of how individuals of all ages strengthen resilience, performance and overall well-being.Read more at the Real Simple
