Medically Verified By: Dr. Aravind Badiger
World Brain Day 2026 (Image AI Generated)
Every year, World Brain Day is observed on July 22 to raise awareness about brain health and neurological disorders. A lot of people think about the health of their heart, bones and muscles as they get older, but the brain also changes over time. Routine daily habits can, however, help maintain brain function, enhance learning and memory and even decrease the risk of cognitive decline, experts say.
According to Dr. Aravind Badiger, Technical Director, BDR Pharmaceuticals International Pvt. Ltd, "The brain changes as we get older. Some brain cells, communication between the nerve cells can slow down, and blood flow can diminish. Mild forgetfulness is not a sign of old age, but if the memory is lost, then it is certainly not normal."
The National Institute on Aging (NIA) of the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) states that people are not necessarily losing their memory or thinking abilities as they age. Lifestyle modifications can help delay many changes of the body in old age.
One of the simplest ways to maintain brain health is exercise. Exercise can boost circulation to the brain and may help reduce stroke and dementia. Adults should do at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise a week, as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Fruit, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, fish and healthy fats are important for a balanced diet which is needed for brain function. The Mediterranean nutrition approach may be associated with preserving memory and preventing cognitive aging.
Sleep restores the brain and helps to eliminate substances that accumulate during the day. When a person sleeps poorly, it is associated with forgetfulness and vulnerability to dementia. The NIH guidelines recommend that most adults get 7-9 hours of good sleep each night.
The brain is stimulated by learning new skills and reading books, solving puzzles or playing instruments. Mentally stimulating exercises build links among the brain cells and can enhance cognitive reserve, studies indicate. Lifelong learning is another aspect of brain-healthy lifestyle encouraged by the Alzheimer's Association.
The brain and the heart are closely intertwined. Factors that affect the risk of stroke and dementia include high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, smoking, and high cholesterol.
While growing older is inevitable, taking every day advantage at preserving your brain well is also something you can do. Brain protection practices are available to help keep the brain protected as we get older, and they include regular exercise, nutritious foods, sufficient sleep, mental challenges, stress management and routine checkups.
For World Brain Day 2026, the experts remind us of the importance of keeping our brains healthy throughout our lives , remembering to take care of our brains now results in better memory, thinking and living tomorrow.
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