Time to pick your brain
Take our brain stress test and see how your cognition measures up.
Have you ever given any thought to how much influence your cognitive health has on your quality of life? Healthy brain function is one of the most key factors for living successfully. This master organ is responsible for processing all the input we receive in the form of experiences, how we translate knowledge through our intellect, and the actions that take place as a result.
How does the brain perform its functions? The brain sends and receives chemical and electrical signals throughout the nervous system and the body. There is a different signal controlling each different process that your brain interprets. Some signals make you feel pain and others make you feel hungry. The neuron is the primary functional unit in the brain. All sensations, movements, thoughts, memories, and feelings are the result of signals that pass through neurons.
The brain functions so efficiently, we take it for granted until we experience the stress of forgetfulness! Short term memory loss and forgetfulness can be scary and disorientating. Many people fear there could be deeper issues of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, especially if there is a history in the family.
Assessing the state of one’s memory on a regular basis and taking preventative measures go a long way to supporting healthy cognitive function. Lifestyle, diet, and supplementation also play a significant role in supporting optimal memory and brain function.
Short-term and long-term memory is needed for all our daily activities. It is frustrating to forget what you have just studied, where you left your car keys, or if you switched the oven off!
Factors that can affect brain health and memory loss:
- Inadequate sleep
- Anxiety and stress
- Illness and pain
- Side effects of medications
- Deficiency in vital nutrients, poor diet
- Use of alcohol and drugs
- Mood disorders and depression
- Age related memory decline
Don’t struggle on your own, if your symptoms are difficult to live with, speak to your practitioner or healthcare provider for assistance.
What can you do to enhance brain function?
- Regular exercise and physical activity play a significant role in maintaining and supporting healthy memory and brain function.
- Make sure you get enough sleep and rest. Adjust your diet and include healthy brain foods in your diet.
- Get out your comfort zone and stimulate your mind with new activities that challenge your brain regularly.
- Manage health issues like high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, excess weight, and smoking.
Take this brain stress test and see how many areas you say yes to:
- Do you struggle to remember words?
- Do you remember where you parked your car in a big parking lot?
- Can you recall the name of a new person you have just met?
- Are you a student?
- Does it take you long to study and remember information?
- Is it difficult for you to sit down and study?
- Do you struggle with focus, clarity, and concentration?
- Do you have to remember a lot of information for your studies?
- Is studying, or writing exams and tests stressful?
- Are anxiety and stress a problem when studying and writing exams?
- Do you go blank in exams?
- Do you struggle with ADD or ADHD?
- Is it important to mentally perform at your best at work?
- Does your work require mental concentration and focus?
- Do you need to remember a lot of details at work?
- Would you like to optimise your brain function?
- Do you struggle to get enough sleep, eat a healthy diet and exercise?
- Are you dehydrated?
- Have you experienced trauma, stress or anxiety that has affected your memory?
- Have you taken medication that has impaired your memory?
- Are you over fifty?
- Do you struggle with menopause symptoms and memory loss?
- Is there a family history of memory loss, Alzheimer’s disease, or dementia?
- Do you ask the same questions a few times?
- Do you forget what you just saw or read?
- Have you forgotten recent or past events?
- Do you struggle to remember where you have put things?
- Is remembering the names of people you just met difficult?
- When you walk into a room do you forget why you are there?
- Do family members often tell you that you have repeated a story more than once?
If you have answered yes to three or more of these questions, look out for our next blog article that explains which cognitive supplements could support you on your journey to better brain health.