A leading Canadian researcher says if you want to keep your brain humming, stop relying on Google — and take daily naps.
While the first one is likely difficult for people in today’s connected society, the latter is something most people would find pretty easy to do.
Professor Mohamed I. Elmasry is an expert in artificial intelligence, but he’s also well versed in keeping our natural intelligence at its peak. To that end, he has come up with nine tips to give your brain a workout and significantly reduce the risk of age-related dementia.
The tips can be found in his new book, iMind: Artificial and Real Intelligence. They include taking afternoon naps and playing “brain games” to keep sharp.
Also, he recommends building “associative memory,” which means finding new information — not using Google — and connecting it to things you already know, and also reading books aloud. Doing the latter reinforces memory and engages multiple senses.
Elmasry says you should also practice mindfulness — meaning not sleepwalking through daily experiences.
His sixth tip is to dedicate one day a week to “true relaxation.”
The researcher also suggests you should start thinking about your brain health and incorporating these tips in your 20s and 30s. You should also eat healthily and moderate your alcohol consumption to stave off the risk of dementia and keep your noggin at peak performance as you start your golden years.