What you'll learn

  • Focuses on foods linked to better brainpower — including the specific fruits and veggies most likely to protect against dementia

  • Explains the importance of regular exercise and how it may even help clear away plaques that contribute to Alzheimer's disease

  • Reveals the importance of sleep — and the sleep stage that's most important for memory

  • Helps you manage stress and explains why comfort foods are "comforting"

  • Shows you the importance of staying socially active — it may help delay dementia

  • Challenges your brain with everything from puzzles and board games to music and travel

Course description

Wondering if you can affect your brain health, memory, and cognitive function? Learn in our course about simple lifestyle changes you can make to optimize your cognitive fitness—and stay mentally sharp! 

Course Outline

Introduction

  • Welcome
  • Course overview

Cognitive Fitness 101

  • Cognitive fitness: Your number 1 goal
  • Functions of the brain
  • Anatomy of the brain
  • How the nervous system works
  • How to test your cognitive function
  • How cognitive function is shaped over a lifetime

Medical Conditions that Affect the Brain

  • A multiplicity of internal and external factors

Step 1: Eat a Plant-Based Diet

  • Emphasize fruit, vegetables and legumes

Step 2: Exercise Regularly

  • Consider both cardio fitness and strength training

Step 3: Get Enough Sleep

  • It's critical for establishing long-term memory

Step 4: Manage your Stress

  • Exploring different tools and strategies

Step 5: Nurture Social Connections

  • A vital link in retaining cognitive health

Step 6: Continue to Challenge your Brain

  • Understanding your brain's need to learn new things

Summary

  • Working the six steps into everyday life

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