A neuroscientist and psychiatrist shares 4 simple habits to protect brain aging
Dr. Gary Small said walking every day, cutting back on ultraprocessed foods, and prioritizing sleep all help reduce Alzheimer's risk.
Dr. Gary Small, a neuroscientist and psychiatrist, has discovered four simple habits that can help protect brain aging. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive mindset, as it can help individuals adapt to health challenges and remain mobile. Dr. Small, who has a psychiatry practice focusing on memory loss and is a professor of psychiatry at UCLA, attributes age as the biggest risk factor in developing Alzheimer's disease.
However, he stresses that lifestyle factors play a significant role in decreasing the risk of cognitive decline, particularly those that reduce obesity in midlife.
Dr. Small incorporates walking and balance training into his daily routine, often taking walks together with his wife and focusing on exercises that strengthen his glutes. He emphasizes the importance of a balanced diet, focusing on protein and healthy carbohydrates, while occasionally treating himself to cheat meals. Small also prioritizes getting enough sleep, which he believes is critical for the aging brain, as it helps clear amyloid proteins associated with memory loss and cognitive decline.
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