A neurologist has shared a simple habit that could prevent cognitive decline
A brain specialist has shared a simple daily practice that could ward off cognitive decline, and it only takes six minutes. Dr Clint Steele, whose expertise lies in the brain and nervous system, says the easy habit could dramatically reduce your chances of developing dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s and other conditions.
Dr Steele, 56, helps people to improve their life quality through improved brain performance and the prevention, or even reversal, of ailments such as dementia. In a TikTok clip that’s amassed thousands of views, he references long-term studies indicating that enhancements in “cognitive reserve” help prevent, or diminish, the likelihood of dementia and related disorders.
His recommendation centres on boosting your mental function by adopting a skill such as learning a new language, learning to dance, or reading a book for a minimum of six minutes each day. “Reading six minutes a day actually lowers your risk of dementia, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease and more,” Dr Steele explained to What’s The Jam.
“The reason for that is because reading helps build something called cognitive reserve, this is the ability for your brain to adapt. The reason adaptability is so important is because when you encounter stress, you want your brain to be able to adapt to that stress, respond accordingly and then when that stress is gone, your brain should be able to adapt to that stress leaving, and down regulate your brain.
“One of the most important things you can do is read six minutes a day, according to the research – and that will help.”
Dr Steele, who operates in Maine and Florida in the US, has dedicated 34 years to brain health and dementia prevention. His TikTok video has also attracted hundreds of likes and comments. One app user wrote: “Normally read at least 100 books a year, plus the Bible, dance classes, acrobatics, clogging for at least six years, at 84 still moving, just slower, my mom had Alzheimer’s, so I do know!”.
Another said: “I still enjoy reading news every day.” And a third added: “Another really good one is fine art, probably why so many older people take up painting.”
