Susan Wehry, MD, a distinguished geriatric psychiatrist, passionate advocate, and Medical Advisor to The Cedars Learning Community joins us each month to share her insights in a new column: #BeingWithAging. Drawing upon lessons from her multifaceted career and over 40 years of experience in long-term care and geriatrics, Dr. Wehry will share her unique perspective on some frequently asked questions about aging and brain health.
Let’s face it: healthy brain function requires a little bit of the luck of the draw (your genes and zip code). Mostly though, it requires consistent, conscious habits that bolster the pillars of brain health: physical activity, mental stimulation, sleep and nutrition, and social connection.
The simplest yet most powerful habit is physical exercise. What’s good for the heart (and for that matter for your mood, bones, muscles and gut!) is excellent for the head. Aerobic activity increases blood flow to the brain, delivering essential oxygen and nutrients. This improved circulation also promotes the growth of new brain cells (neurogenesis) and strengthens the connections between them, effectively building the brain’s resilience against cognitive decline. Even a brisk daily walk can be a profound investment in long-term cognitive health.
Equally important is mental stimulation. The brain thrives on novelty and challenge. Engaging in activities that are complex and unfamiliar—such as learning a new language, taking up a musical instrument, or studying a new subject—forces the brain to create new pathways, a concept known as cognitive reserve. This reserve acts as a buffer, allowing the brain to maintain function even if some areas are damaged. Consistency in learning, rather than intensity, is the key.
Beyond activity, quality sleep and a brain-healthy diet are non-negotiable. Sleep is the time the brain uses to clear out metabolic waste products and consolidate memories. Prioritizing 7–9 hours of restorative sleep each night is crucial. Similarly, a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and dark leafy greens—like the Mediterranean diet—provides the necessary fuel to protect brain cells from damage.
Finally, maintaining social connections is a powerful brain habit. Meaningful social interaction is a complex cognitive task that engages multiple brain regions, reducing stress and fighting loneliness, a known risk factor for poor health.
Heard it all before? No doubt. But please, check back with me monthly as we dive a little deeper, reflect a little longer, and devise some strategies for getting you to where you want to be in 2026 and beyond.
What would you like to know? Send your questions to Tracy Ericson at tericson@thecedarsportland.org