5 Brain Health Myths Debunked

When it comes to brain health, there are numerous myths and misconceptions that can lead to confusion and potentially harmful practices. The brain is the operating system for your body and your whole life. An unhealthy brain makes it very hard to live life to the full. 

As you may know I am already obsessed with brain health… an obsession that began as a developmental pediatrician, took off when I was a neurofeedback therapist and brain health coach and continues to grow as I add Brain Health Trainer with Dr Daniel Amen to my resume! 

Here are 5 myths I came across in my studies just this weekend: 

1. Myth: You Only Use 10% of Your Brain

• Truth: This is perhaps one of the most common brain myths. The truth is, we use virtually every part of our brain, and most of it is active almost all the time. Brain imaging studies have shown that even simple tasks, like walking or talking, require widespread brain activity. The brain's various regions are interconnected, working together to support our cognitive and physical functions. And did you know your brain is still very active while you sleep?

2. Myth: Brain Health Declines Inevitably with Age

• Truth: While it’s true that certain cognitive functions may slow down with age, significant brain decline is not inevitable. Lifestyle plays a huge role in cognitive decline. The most easily impacted factors are regular mental and physical exercise, eating a healthy balanced diet (low in processed foods), and managing stress. Neuroplasticity is the brain’s remarkable ability to adapt and grow, and it continues well into old age, unless you develop dementia. 

3. Myth: Crossword Puzzles Alone Keep the Brain Sharp

• Truth: Crossword puzzles and other brain games can help with specific cognitive skills like vocabulary and memory, but they are not a magic bullet for overall brain health. A well-rounded approach to brain health should include a variety of activities that challenge different parts of the brain, such as learning new skills, meditation, enjoyable social interaction, varied physical exercise, and a brain healthy diet. I’m currently learning Spanish on Duolingo as part of my efforts to keep my brain sharp! 

4. Myth: Multitasking Boosts Brain Efficiency

• Truth: Multitasking is a myth in itself: It’s actually rapid task switching. While it might seem like a way to get more done, it can actually be detrimental to brain health. Research shows that multitasking reduces cognitive performance because the brain struggles to focus on more than one task at a time. Instead of increasing efficiency, multitasking often leads to errors and decreased productivity. Instead try focusing on one task at a time until you have completed it and then move to the next task. 

5. Myth: You Can’t Improve Your Brain Function

• Truth: When I trained as a physician 30 years ago (yes I’m showing my age) we were told that once cognitive decline starts, there’s little a person can do about it. However, this is far from the truth, as research in the last 15 years has shown. The brain is capable of growth and improvement at any age, even if cognitive decline has begun (with the exception of a few rare neurological disorders). A systematic approach to reduce the things that can harm your brain and increase the things that can boost the brain can lead to dramatic improvements in brain health and function. But let this be your wake up call… the sooner you act the bigger the impact you can have, before permanent change occurs. 

Knowledge is power… but only if it’s accurate. Understanding the truths behind these brain health myths is crucial for maintaining and improving cognitive function. By debunking these misconceptions, we can focus on evidence-based practices that truly benefit our brain health, leading to a sharper mind and better overall well-being.

To learn more about boosting the health of your body, mind and brain, check out my blogs: 

• The Powerful Impact of Exercise on Mental Wellbeing
• Brain Hack: Optimize Your Working Memory
• Meditation Is A Powerful Tool For Mental Health
• Cognitive Reserve
• May I have your attention? Discover a powerful tool to improve your attention
• 8 Things That Reduce Brain Fog