Video: 10 ways to keep your brain young

10 ways to keep your brain young

• Socialize more. In one large study, memory declined at half the rate for adults with the most social involvement.
• Keep moving. Physical activity boosts neuroplasticity — your brain's ability to think, remember and adapt.
• Take a class. New knowledge and experiences may lower your risk for memory loss. Online classes work!
• Eat plants. People who eat more fruits, vegetables and healthy fats like olive oil stay sharp longer.
• Love your pillow. Not getting enough sleep can result in problems with memory and thinking.
• Train your brain. Puzzles, games and even online brain challenges can improve mental sharpness.
• Ditch the smokes. Smoking increases the risk of cognitive problems. Quit now and your risk goes down day one.
• Manage stress. Relax more often to ward off conditions like depression that drain mental function.
• Protect your head. Concussions early in life can increase the risk of cognitive problems later on.
• Keep blood pressure in check. What's bad for your heart is also bad for your brain.

Guidance from the physicians, nurses, researchers and patient education specialists in the Mayo Clinic Departments of Neurology and Neurosurgery.