Look after your mind

Keeping your brain active is important to keep it functioning well.

Mental exercise helps to build new brain cells and strengthen connections between them.  This helps to give the brain more ‘reserve’ or ‘back up’ so that it can cope better and keep working properly if any brain cells are damaged or die.

Depression

Depression is often associated with an increased risk of dementia.  It is important to seek medical advice should you recognise the symptoms of depression and to look after your psychological wellbeing. 

There are many ways to look after your mind:

  • Stay social, enjoy the company of others
  • Play games like puzzles, crosswords and card games
  • Learn a new language
  • Take up a new sport
  • Learn a new hobby like painting, sewing, woodwork and cooking
  • Vary your daily activities