5 Things I Would Never Do as a Cognitive Neurologist

There’s one question that’s frequently asked of cognitive neurologists, and it’s usually about how to prevent brain health decline as one ages. G. Peter Gliebus, M.D., a neurologist and director of Cognitive and Behavioral Neurology at Marcus Neuroscience Institute, part of Baptist Health, at Boca Raton Regional Hospital, is quite familiar with this type of inquiry.

G. Peter Gliebus, M.D., neurologist and director of Cognitive and Behavioral Neurology at Marcus Neuroscience Institute, part of Baptist Health, at Boca Raton Regional Hospital.

He’s often asked what habits or actions he would avoid as a cognitive neurologist. The answer is multi-faceted. “People frequently ask me: ‘What are the five things I would never do.’ So, here it is,” says Dr. Gliebus. Here are the five things to prioritize for both brain and overall health, and why they’re essential for anyone seeking to protect their cognitive function as they age.

1. I Would Never Ignore My Heart

Heart health plays a crucial role in maintaining cognitive function, and ignoring your cardiovascular health can increase your risk for neurological disorders. As Dr. Gliebus explains, "What’s good for the heart is good for the brain."

For example, if you have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or other conditions that increase the risk of heart disease, these same conditions can also heighten your risk of brain disease. Treating these cardiovascular risk factors — through medication, diet, or lifestyle changes — has a direct benefit for brain health. "Anything that needs to be treated such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol, or to reduce the risk of heart disease, will reduce the risk of brain disease," Dr. Gliebus says.

2. I Would Never Skip Sleep

Sleep is not a luxury; it’s a necessity for optimal brain function, and never underestimate its importance. Sleep plays a critical role in memory consolidation, cognitive processing, and emotional regulation. In fact, sleep deprivation has been linked to cognitive decline and an increased risk of developing dementia.

Dr. Gliebus emphasizes the significance of sleep for brain health: "Sleep is extremely important for our brain function and for memory formation." When we sleep, our brains undergo important processes that help store memories, clear out waste products, and strengthen neural connections.

Unfortunately, in today's fast-paced world, sleep is often sacrificed in favor of work or social commitments. But Dr. Gliebus emphasizes that consistent, quality sleep is an essential pillar of maintaining cognitive health.

3. I Would Never Skip My Senses

Our sensory experiences — sight and sound, in particular — are integral to our cognitive health. In midlife, a decline in vision or hearing can have more than just an immediate impact on quality of life. It can also increase the risk of developing cognitive issues down the road, including dementia, according to recent studies.

Dr. Gliebus points out: "It is known that reduced vision and reduced hearing in midlife can increase the risk of developing future dementia." Sensory deprivation or untreated sensory impairments can lead to cognitive decline because our brains rely on input from our senses to process and interpret the world around us. When vision or hearing becomes impaired, the brain is forced to work harder to compensate, which can ultimately strain cognitive function.

Whether it's wearing corrective lenses or getting hearing aids, it's important to make sure your brain isn’t working overtime to fill in gaps that your senses could be providing.

4. Avoid Activities That Increase the Risk of Brain Injury

Brain injuries, especially those sustained later in life, are a significant risk factor for cognitive decline and dementia. While some forms of brain injury, like concussions, are obvious, others can be subtle and occur without immediate symptoms. As a neurologist, Dr. Gliebus knows how an injury that seems minor at the time can have long-term consequences for brain health.

Dr. Gliebus advises: "Avoid activities that have an increased risk for brain injury because that is known to increase the risk of future dementia."

Whether it’s wearing a helmet during contact sports, using seatbelts while driving, or being mindful of falls (especially as we age), protecting the brain from injury is a key preventive measure. Even small accidents that result in a blow to the head can accumulate over time, leading to cognitive issues down the line.

5. I Would Never Smoke, and I Would Reduce Alcohol Consumption

Two of the most significant lifestyle choices that affect brain health are smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.

Dr. Gliebus is clear: "No smoking and, of course, reduce the amount of alcohol we’re consuming." Smoking has long been associated with an increased risk of cognitive decline, stroke, and other neurological conditions – in addition to lung cancer, other cancers and heart disease.

Similarly, while moderate alcohol consumption might not have an immediate harmful effect, heavy drinking over time can lead to memory problems, brain shrinkage, and an increased risk of dementia.

These habits not only harm your physical health, but they also take a toll on your brain.

Dr. Gliebus has seen how lifestyle factors play a critical role in brain health. The healthier habits you form today can pay off in a future with better cognitive health and a higher quality of life. "By not skipping all these five things, you’re going to reduce your risk of dementia," he adds.