Myth or Fact? A Look Into the 5 Most Common Misconceptions About the Brain
“It’s inevitable… I’m getting older anyways.”
“I am right-brained… I just don’t have the capacity to do that!”
Have you thought about your brain lately? What tends to come to mind?
Debunking the 5 Most Common Misconceptions about Brain Health
Whether positive or negative, how we think about our brain has the ability to shape and influence our everyday decisions and ultimately, how we live our lives. It turns out that much of what we believe about our brains is nothing short of myth.
MYTH #1: Getting older means inevitable cognitive decline, too
Although cognitive decline and memory changes are a common occurrence in adults age 65+, it is not a life sentence. Age-related cognitive decline accounts for only one small piece of the larger puzzle.
Additional factors such as genetic predisposition, pre-existing conditions, lifestyle habits, and environmental conditions all influence how efficiently the brain is able to weather the natural aging process.
The good news is that the brain has the capacity to improve well into old age. Like the old adage, “use it or lose it,” this applies to brain health. If you keep your brain active, you can help protect your brain and prevent a slow and steady decline.
MYTH #2: You only use 10% of your brain
Popularized by pop culture and cinema, the age-old trope that humans only use a minute part of the brain is an outdated story of fiction.
The human brain is a powerhouse of an organ that generates approximately 12-25 watts of electrical power, enough to power a low-watt light bulb. Even during rest, the brain remains constantly active, powering billions of neurons per second. Nothing short of powerful! Think of the brain as an engine; how we fuel it determines how well it runs.
MYTH #3: Your Environment Has Little Impact on the Brain
Just as healthy habits support the brain, certain factors can quietly work against it. Studies have shown that individuals exposed to environmental toxins and air pollution such as smoke, mold, pesticides, and other pollutants have a significantly greater risk of developing a neurogenerative disease and experiencing accelerated cognitive decline.
Psychologically, being in an unhealthy environment that contributes to chronic stress, exposure to trauma, and social isolation also has a direct impact on brain function. Staying aware of potential toxic exposure can prevent years of damage. It is important that you keep yourself in the best place possible — both physically and mentally.
MYTH #4: You are either “right-brained” or “left-brained”
While the concept of left brain vs. right brain is an intriguing one, it should not be the source of self-limiting beliefs. In fact, research has disproven the concept of hemisphere dominance and instead supported evidence that the “whole” brain is an interconnected organ wherein both hemispheres work together to accomplish tasks. If you find yourself with a particular set of skills, lean into it while knowing that you are not limited to what you can achieve.
So, as Henry David Thoreau said, “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams and live the life you’ve imagined!” No matter where you set the bar, that is what you will achieve. If you set it very low, that is all you will achieve. So, remember to set the bar high!
MYTH #5: You Can’t Change Your Brain
The notion that the brain is simply another organ, like the heart or lungs, is a common misconception. The brain is a living, malleable organ that has the remarkable ability to rewire, recover, and rebuild, even after trauma, illness, or stress. This ability is known as neuroplasticity.
Remarkably, regardless of age, the brain has an incredible capacity for absorbing new information and learning. Every day, thousands of new neural pathways are created and formed.
When I was in training, I was told that there is only a finite period of time during which the brain can recover from any specific incident. We now know that that is not correct. The brain continues to heal until the very day you die. However, it is essential that you nourish your brain and do everything in your power to keep it healthy.
Healthy Lifestyle Habits to Fuel & Protect Your Brain for Life
With these myths in mind, when it comes to staying mentally sharp as we age, our everyday choices matter even more than we once thought.
Eat well, get more sleep, and stay active!
We have all heard the same advice dozens of times, but research continues to confirm the impact of our choices. Your daily habits and lifestyle not only support overall health but also strengthen the brain’s physical structure, offering real cognitive benefits, such as enhanced memory, clearer thinking, and improved mood.
Patients are often surprised by how quickly these benefits show up. A little progress in one area tends to create momentum in others, and before long, patients begin to feel stronger, steadier, and more engaged.
Here are a few tips to achieve a youthful, resilient brain:
Balanced Nutrition
Adding brain-boosting foods like blueberries, leafy greens, fatty fish, and olive oil to your diet can stimulate brain cell repair. Studies consistently show that a Mediterranean-style diet is linked to slower cognitive decline and longer life. And healthy nuts, like walnuts, can be very effective for improved brain health
Read: A Neurologist’s Guide to a Brain Healthy Diet
Consistent Movement
Regular physical activity increases blood flow to the brain and helps protect against cognitive decline. A proven way to achieve results is by walking 10,000 steps a day, which has been shown to lower the risk of dementia by 51%. If you’re up for a good time, dancing is another great way to promote happy chemicals in the brain and boost mood.
Read: Your Brain on Exercise
Quality Sleep
Contrary to popular belief, good sleep is not a luxury but a necessity! Deep sleep helps the brain rejuvenate, clear waste, and lock in memories. Proper sleep hygiene is essential for a healthy mind and a healthy body.
Read: Your Brain on Sleep: The Power of A Good Night’s Rest
Increased Hydration
Your brain is thirsty! Did you know that the brain uses up 20% of your body’s energy? Prioritizing hydration can have an immense impact on focus, energy levels, mental clarity, and mood. The brain is 75 to 86% fluid. If you hydrate the brain, it simply works better. That is why, at every office visit, I point out to my patients how important hydration is for the brain.
Read: Experience Relief Through Hydration
Staying Connected
A good hug and a good time may be all we need! Spending quality time with friends and loved ones has been shown to lift one’s mood, lower stress, and add years to life!
Read: In Good Company: The Power of Cultivating Strong Relationships
“Strength Training” Your Brain
Just like muscles grow stronger when we use them, the brain thrives on mental stimulation. The more you engage your brain, the more flexible, adaptable, and resilient it becomes.
Here are some fun and easy ways to improve your brain fitness this summer:
- Read something that makes you think
- Learn a new skill or pick back up an old one
- Play games that involve memory, logic, or strategy
- Pick up a hobby that you can enjoy with friends
- Write, reflect, and have deep conversations
- Learn a musical instrument
- Learn a second, third, or fourth language.
- Challenge yourself to movements that involve coordination, like dancing or yoga
Make This Your Summer of Brain Power
June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month. Let’s use this as a reminder to take care of the organ that makes everything else possible – your brain.
It turns out that there is a lot less holding us back. There is something we can do every day to show love to our brains and to keep them young and resilient for the long haul. Your brain can become one of your greatest assets in aging, not a source of worry or decline.
A Message From Dr. Kandel
“Start with baby steps. I don’t expect my patients to do everything all at once. Commit to walking around the block. Commit to doing chair aerobics during a favorite TV show. Or plan a weekly bridge or game night. Whatever it is, develop a habit. Just keep moving forward. Learn new things. The more you do, the better you will feel and the more you will want to do. Here’s to a better, brighter, and happier you!”
Joseph Kandel, MD
Feel free to share this with the people in your life who may benefit from this information! For more insights on neurology, check out our weekly tips on our Neurology Office Facebook page.
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Neurology Office, Joseph Kandel M.D. and Associates
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