World Brain Day 2025: 12 Harvard Approved Ways To Keep Your Brain Young

World Brain Day falls on July 22 every year. As we draw closer to the special day; let’s take a look at 12 ways to keep our brain young and smart.

World Brain Day was first observed in the year 2014 to focus on brain health and neurological disorders by the World Federation of Neurology (WFN). Ever since, 22 July has been designated as World Brain Day. This year, the event falls on Tuesday, i.e. tomorrow, under the theme ‘Brain Health for All Ages.’

As we inch closer to the special day that sheds light on brain health and neurological disorders across the globe, let’s deep dive into how to keep our brains young. Yes! You read that right.

You May Ask Does The Brain Age?

Yes, the brain ages and this process can affect the cognitive function of an individual. According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), as a person gets older, so does his/her brain age. The human brain changes similar way to how changes occur in all parts of the body.

What Happens When The Brain Ages?

“Certain parts of the brain shrink, including those important to learning and other complex mental activities. In certain brain regions, communication between neurons may be less effective. Blood flow in the brain may decrease. Inflammation, which occurs when the body responds to an injury or disease, may increase,” NIH explains.

12 Ways To Keep Your Brain Young

Although cognitive impairment is inevitable, there are certain exercises and lifestyle choices one can make to keep the brain young. Check out these 12 Harvard-approved ways to keep your brain young:

Engage in mental stimulation activities like word puzzles, solving math problems, drawing, painting, and other crafts that require mental effort.
Working out your muscles can improve your mind, says Harvard.
According to research, people who eat a diet that includes fruits, vegetables, fish, nuts, etc., are less likely to develop cognitive impairment and dementia.
Improve your blood pressure to avoid cognitive decline in older age.
Harvard states, “Diabetes is an important risk factor for dementia.” Hence, improve your blood sugar level if it is imbalanced.
Another medical condition that threatens cognitive function is high levels of LDL (“bad”) cholesterol.
Harvard suggests considering taking a low dose of Aspirin to reduce the risk of dementia.
Avoid tobacco in all its forms.
Don’t abuse alcohol as excessive drinking has been linked to dementia.
Talk to someone you trust when you feel stressed, as anxious people tend to score poorly on cognitive function tests.
A study reveals that severe injury to the head can cause cognitive function impairment even without diagnosing concussions.
Maintaining a healthy social life results in a lower risk of dementia.