A panel of experts from leading northeastern universities recently reached consensus that proper nutrition, regular physical and mental activity, and adequate sleep can help to maintain and even improve cognitive skills in healthy adults. Further, the panel released recommendations to help adults bolster their cognitive health.
The panel, composed of leading scientific experts in the fields of nutrition, exercise physiology, sleep and cognitive stimulation, convened to discuss the impact of these various lifestyle behaviors on cognition. Participants were Dr. Jeffrey Ellenbogen, Harvard Medical School; Dr. John Gabrieli, Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Dr. Ruth Remington, University of Massachusetts Lowell; Dr. Thomas Shea, University of Massachusetts Lowell; and Dr. Erin Snook, University of Massachusetts Amherst.
While previously research has showcased the ability for healthy adults to maintain their memory performance, the body of evidence reviewed by this panel revealed that healthy adults can now take measures that will improve their cognition. This is extremely good news for the millions of adults that are increasingly concerned about their mental acuity. Given the importance of cognition to living our lives well, it is not surprising that this area is of interest to consumers. In fact, eighty-eight percent of consumers are optimistic about the potential for improving brain fitness (ASA MetLife Foundation Attitudes and Awareness of Brain Health Poll, 2006).
Fueled by years of relevant research data, each participant provided a unique perspective regarding the ways in which healthy adults can keep their minds sharp and active throughout their lifetime. The panelists agreed that the following recommendations will help healthy adults improve and maintain memory and enhance mental clarity and performance: