| Brain health is key to living a long and happy life.
Too many Americans suffer from Alzheimer's and other brain conditions that rob them of their memories, their independence and their lives. In fact, 1 of every 3 seniors dies due to Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia.
If you believe you have little control over protecting the vitality of your brain, think again — you can be proactive in protecting your brain function. This month is Alzheimer's and Brain Health Awareness Month. And to commemorate this occasion, I want to provide you with some information and tools about what you can do to protect your brain health.
First, exercise is essential. Promoting blood flow to the brain is vitally important, and exercise is a key way to get more blood flowing to your brain. Keeping your heart active and pumping provides the vital oxygen your brain requires to stay active.
Second, be social. Those who have active social networks maintain healthier brains than those who are isolated. So, stay active with your friends, family and neighbors. Seek out social occasions and fight back against isolation.
Third, maintain a healthy balance. Focus upon a diet that is high in fiber and fruit … be sure to get at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night … and avoid stress as much as possible.
Fourth, use it or lose it. An active brain is more likely to stay a healthy brain. You must constantly challenge your brain. Puzzles alone are not enough. Learn new things. Educate your mind, because learning results in positive, physical changes in our brain.
To help you with this fourth tip, Mass General and our Institute for Brain Health have created a Brain Health Quiz that will help you exercise your mind – we challenge you to learn something new to keep your brain healthy today.
Mass General created the Institute for Brain Health to integrate our research into Alzheimer's, strokes, Parkinson's, ALS and other brain-related diseases and conditions that affect too many Americans. The doctors and staff are working to develop new treatments to preserve brain function and prevent these diseases.
Your previous support of the MGH Fund has provided the funding necessary to push forward with our many other life-saving endeavors, thank you.
Peter L. Slavin, MD
President, Massachusetts General Hospital
P.S. Be sure to take our Brain Health Quiz. | 
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