• Posted February 1, 2025

12 Questions To Ask Yourself and Your Doctor To Maintain Brain Health

If you've experienced so-called "senior moments," brain blips or brain freezes, you're not alone.  

Many people worry about their future brain health. So many, in fact, that the American Academy of Neurology suggests that everyone consider 12 factors that influence long-term brain health. 

“Neurologists are the experts in brain health, with the training and insight needed to help you keep your brain in top shape throughout life,” Dr. Carlayne Jackson, president of the American Academy of Neurology (AAN), said in a news release. 

In a recent article in the journal Neurology, a team led by Dr. Linda Selwa of the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor recommended 12 tips to start conversations with your health care provider about ways to keep your brain healthy.

Questions to Ask Yourself and Tell Your Doctor

1. Sleep

Are you able to get sufficient sleep to feel rested?

Adults and their doctors should not take anything for granted. Discuss daytime sleepiness, shift work, pain at night, insomnia and daytime napping.

2. Mood and mental health

Do you have concerns about your mood, anxiety or stress? Do you experience social isolation or loneliness?

While your provider should assess you for depression and anxiety, be prepared to raise the issues yourself. 

3. Food, diet and supplements 

Do you have concerns about getting enough or healthy enough food or questions about supplements or vitamins?

4. Exercise

Do you find ways to fit physical exercise into your life?

Besides physical activity, talk to your doctor about movement, balance and how to maintain your independence.

5. Supportive social interactions

Do you have regular contact with close friends or family, and do you have enough support from people?

6. Trauma avoidance

Your doctor should ask if you wear seatbelts and helmets, about gun safety, watercraft or ATV safety, and fall prevention.

It is also important to discuss any occupational risks you may have.

7. Blood pressure

Have you had problems with high blood pressure at home or at doctor visits, or do you have any concerns about blood pressure treatment or getting a blood pressure cuff at home?

Talk to your doctor about secondary causes of high blood pressure and relationships between medications and blood pressure.

8. Risks, genetic and metabolic factors

Do you have trouble controlling blood sugar or cholesterol? Does a neurological disease run in your family?

Consider and recognize genetic risks; if needed, ask about control of lipids and diabetes and maintaining a healthy weight.

9. Affordability and adherence

Do you have any trouble with the cost of your medicines? Speak up!

Your doctor should ask about age transitions that may affect insurance; be sure to let them know if your coverage is changing. Discuss Medicare supplements for medications and other high-cost care.

10.  Infection

Are you up-to-date on vaccines, and do you have enough information about those vaccines?

Ask your doctor about an age-specific immunization schedule.

You should also discuss any home or occupational exposures to animals and risks posed by sexually transmitted infection and travel.

11. Negative exposures

Do you smoke, have more than one to two drinks per day or use nonprescription drugs? Do you drink well water or live in an area with known air or water pollution?

Every visit is an opportunity to be screened for issues with tobacco, alcohol and nonprescription substance use.

12. Social determinants of health

Do you have concerns about housing, transportation, having access to care and medical insurance, or your physical or emotional safety?

Your health care provider can provide advice, medical care and resources to help improve your brain health.

"Continued advocacy by neurologists, including efforts to fund scientific research and improve access to health care, improves brain health on a national level,” Selwa said in an AAN news release. “Our article shows there are many ways to improve brain health individually. Resolving to improve your brain health in the new year is a great start.”

More Information

The Mayo Clinic has more tips to keep your brain healthy.

SOURCES: American Academy of Neurology, news release, Dec. 23, 2024; Neurology, Dec. 16, 2024