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Recommendations for maintaining mental functions after participation in the COMPEX-Study- And in general

Mental activity

The mentation functions of the brain are maintained through use. This is also called the ‘Use it or lose it’-Principle. As such, it is beneficial to do something that challenges the brain every day, such as chess, Sudoku, cross-words or similar mental activities. You can also try to learn a new language or take on some other challenging mental activity. The important thing is, that you keep challenging yourself. If you are used to solve Sodukos at a beginner’s level, you need to increase the difficulty of the activity to challenge and train the brain. It is also important to challenges yourself with many different types of mental activities and exercises: More diverse and changing challenges are more efficacious to train your brain.

Physical activity and sleep

Physical activity is not only good for your physical health, but also for the mental functions of the brain. Exercise a few times a week in a way that you enjoy – whether it is dancing, running, walking, swimming, lifting weights or something different. It is also important to sleep enough, preferably 7-8 hours each night if possible. Sleep is especially important, because many people with conditions that affect the brain experience more fatigue than before and need to rest, relax and take more breaks than before – both physically and mentally.

Food and Nutrition

You help your mental functions by eating healthy and nutritious meals, avoid smoking and alcohol consummation and generally follow the national guidelines for healthy eating in your country to the best of your ability.

Meditation

Several scientific studies support the positive effects of meditation on mental health. You can meditate 5-10 minutes a couple of times a week, or more if you like to. If you prefer guided meditations, these are often available for free on Youtube. It is also possible to buy various apps for guided meditations with different themes.

Avoid stress and do things that makes you happy

The mental functions of the brain are affected negatively by long-term stress. Avoid long-term stress loads to the best of your ability and prioritize taking good care of yourself. It is especially important to make having a good mental health a priority: The mental functions of the brain work better when you are happy and thriving. If you get exhausted and fatigues easier than you did before, it is especially important to prioritize activities that makes you happy and not only to fill your day with duties.