Brain health is important for all ages. Millions of Americans will experience neurologic disorders in their lifetimes, but there are some things you can do to ward off cognitive decline.

The multidisciplinary team at the Norton Neuroscience Institute Memory Center is dedicated to understanding the brain as it ages to help patients manage their brain health and potentially prevent memory disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.

More than 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s, and many more are at risk of developing it or another dementia, according to the National Institute on Aging. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention predicts that by 2060, the number of older adults with Alzheimer’s is projected to total nearly 14 million.

Researchers believe that as many as 40% of all cases of Alzheimer’s are attributable to risk factors, some of which can be managed with medication and lifestyle changes. Addressing these possible risk factors could reduce the occurrence of dementia in the population and prevent the current projections from getting worse.

Maintaining our brain health, as well as physical and mental health, as we age is important to reduce the risk of developing neurodegenerative issues such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.

What is Brain Health?

There are four measurable components of brain health:

1. How you think, learn, and remember is cognitive health.
2. How you make and control physical movements, including balance, is motor function.
3. How you interpret and respond to emotions is emotional function.
4. How you feel and respond to sensations of touch — including pressure, pain, and temperature — is tactile function.

There are many things that can affect brain health. While there are lifestyle changes that can positively impact brain health, there are other factors to consider, like age-related changes, injuries such as stroke or traumatic brain injury, mood disorders such as depression, and substance use disorder or addiction.

How Can I Improve My Brain Health?

Lifestyle habits, like what you eat and drink, how much you exercise, how well you sleep, the way you socialize, and how you manage stress are all critically important to your brain health.

• You are what you eat. Focus on the quality of food first, quantity second. In general, people should reduce the amount of sugar, carbohydrates and starch in their diets, especially that found in processed and fast foods. Eat a good amount of high-protein foods and include good fats. There is continuing research on the effects of coffee on brain health.
• Get up and get moving. Exercise has a wide range of benefits, from building muscle to strengthening the heart. But it also can affect brain health! One study on preventive medicine found that physical activity can decrease your likelihood of cognitive decline later in life. By getting physical activity, you are training your body and your mind.
  • Norton Neuroscience Institute Cressman Neurological Rehabilitation offers opportunities for you develop a treatment plan that is right for you. To make an appointment, call (502) 446-8520.
• Catch some Z’s. Adequate sleep is important to help maintain healthy brain function. Sleep allows neuro pathways in your brain to develop that allow you to learn, create new memories and concentrate. 
  • Do you have concerns about the quality of your sleep? Norton Sleep Centers specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders. Talk to your primary care provider or neurologist about your concerns. A physician referral is required.
• A gut feeling. Your gut and your brain are connected. There are 10 times as many bacterial cells in your gastrointestinal tract as there are cells in your whole body. The bacteria produce a microbiome unique to you that can affect your personality, mood, behavior and health risks. Eating a probiotic-rich diet can promote a healthy gut and in turn a healthy brain.
• Self-care is health care. Emotional coping mechanisms and stress management are critical to overall health. Find ways to relax your brain, like mediation, reading, and community activities, to promote strong emotional health.
  • Norton Neuroscience Institute Resource Centers offer educational seminars, exercise classes and support groups that can promote a strong sense of well-being. To learn more, go to NortonHealthcare.com/NNIClasses or call (502) 629-1234.
  • If you have concerns about your mental health and would like to talk to a professional, Norton Behavioral Medicine offers outpatient mental health care that is coordinated with the ongoing care you receive from your Norton Healthcare primary care provider or specialist. To learn more or make an appointment, call (502) 446-5610.

Read more from our providers about brain health.

Improve Your Brain Health

What Do I Do if I Have Concerns About My Brain Health?

Memory loss can be a normal part of aging, but there are indicators that it could be something more.

If you have concerns about your brain health, you can start by talking to your primary care provider or neurologist about the best next steps. Making lifestyle changes can improve your overall physical and mental health.

The Norton Neuroscience Institute Memory Center Dementia Prevention Clinic provides specialized care for patients interested in identifying their risk factors for dementia and developing a treatment plan.

Learn More

Additional Brain Health Resources

Video Library

Hear from our memory care providers about how to create a healthy lifestyle, the differences between dementia and memory loss, and recent research about brain health.

Support for a portion of this digital education resource has been made possible by the Harold, Juanita, David, Dennis & Gary Koon Charitable Foundation through the Norton Healthcare Foundation.

Classes and Support groups

Norton Neuroscience Institute Resource Centers provide free classes that promote brain health, including exercise classes, support groups and more. To sign up, go to NortonHealthcare.com/NNIClasses or call (502) 629-1234, option 4.

Care That’s Focused on You

It’s part of Norton Neuroscience Institute’s goal to care for the whole person, not just the condition.

• Norton Neuroscience Institute Resource Centers offer ways to improve your access to care, provide valuable information on managing your disease and address your quality-of-life issues. The Norton Healthcare Foundation funds this important service, so patients don’t need to pay.
• Dedicated patient navigators can help schedule follow-up appointments, coordinate prescription assistance, create customized diet plans and provide guidance on disability benefits, housing, financial and employment concerns, and more.
• Patients can access support groups, exercise classes and other educational events to connect with others and learn how to make the most of life while managing a neurologic condition. 
• Access an on-demand video library of educational content across a variety of condition-related topics.
• We want to help prevent illness. Get help quitting smoking and learn the signs of stroke.
• Communicate with your provider, manage appointments, refill prescriptions and more anytime from a computer or mobile device with a free Norton MyChart account.

A Louisville Leader in Neurologic Care

More patients from Louisville and Southern Indiana seek their neurology and neurosurgery care from Norton Neuroscience Institute’s nationally recognized specialists than any other providers in the area.

Your Norton Neuroscience Institute medical provider has the expertise, experience, diagnostic tools and sophisticated treatments to provide care tailored to your needs.

• More than 75 medical, surgical and research specialists are dedicated to providing innovative care to those with brain, spine and nervous system conditions.
• Advanced, minimally invasive neurosurgery equipment can speed your recovery and minimize pain.
• Multidisciplinary clinics provide easy access to care in one convenient appointment for your neurologic condition, with specialists in oncology, cardiology, orthopedics and behavioral health.
• Norton Healthcare’s four adult-service hospitals in Louisville are certified by DNV, recognizing excellence and expertise in stroke care.
  • Norton Brownsboro Hospital is recognized as a Comprehensive Stroke Center.
  • Norton Audubon Hospital and Norton Hospital are Primary Stroke Centers.
  • Norton Women’s & Children’s Hospital is an Acute Stroke Ready Hospital.
• Norton Neuroscience Institute is at the forefront of neuroscientific research. As investigators on numerous trials, our physicians contribute to groundbreaking studies and publications in peer-reviewed journals. Also, patients may be eligible to take part in these experimental treatments. Learn more about current neuroscience clinical trials and studies.
• The American Heart Association Get With the Guidelines stroke care program has recognized Norton Hospital and Norton Brownsboro Hospital in Louisville for exceeding national averages in getting patients in the door and administering lifesaving treatment to restore blood flow to the brain.
• Norton Neuroscience Institute’s multiple sclerosis (MS) program has been designated a Center for Comprehensive MS Care by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
• The National Association of Epilepsy Centers has recognized Norton Neuroscience Institute Comprehensive Epilepsy Center as a Level 4 center, providing the highest level of medical and surgical evaluation and treatment for patients with complex epilepsy.
• Norton Neuroscience Institute Resource Center navigators help educate patients and their families about new diagnoses, available treatments and ways to manage their disease.
• We are listed by Becker’s Hospital Review as one of 100 great neurosurgery and spine programs.