Neurologist Says 3 Habits Can Train Brains for Lifelong Cognitive Health

1 articles · Updated · Index-Journal · Jun 20

Adult brains can keep rewiring throughout life, Joanna Fong-Isariyawongse said, arguing that novelty and challenge — not routine alone — drive the neuroplastic changes tied to sharper thinking and learning.
EEG, MRI and animal studies underpin that view: new skills such as language, dance or music have been linked to more organized brain activity, stronger connectivity and measurable increases in brain volume.
Prolonged mental strain without breaks can backfire, she said, as attention and decision-making networks slow, mistakes rise and reward-seeking behaviors such as sugary snacking or mindless scrolling become more likely.
Sleep is the strongest recovery tool because it clears waste through the glymphatic system, restores fuel, supports repair and consolidates memories; exercise also boosts BDNF, blood flow and adaptability.
Her practical prescription was simple: vary routines, take on unfamiliar tasks, rest before exhaustion, move regularly and treat sleep as nonnegotiable rather than relying on costly brain-training programs.