“Anything that stimulates the brain enriches cognitive capital,” summarizes Professor Amouyel. And the activity that stimulates it the most, according to him, is reading. Numerous studies based on functional MRI scans show that, when we read, different areas of the brain are activated, “like a Christmas tree,” he jokes.
Reading is the most comprehensive cognitive activity, as it engages numerous brain functions: it makes us think, imagine, anticipate, associate ideas, recall memories, and even experience emotions. “It doesn’t necessarily mean reading the entire Pléiade edition. You can read anything: a newspaper, a magazine, a comic book, a manga… and it doesn’t matter what the format is—paper, e-reader, phone—but read!” he insists.
Protecting yourself from memory problems means “stepping out of your comfort zone” and staying curious.
The second key to keeping your brain healthy for as long as possible is engaging in activities that push you out of your comfort zone. Why? When you learn something new, your brain has to expend more energy and create new neural connections. But once you’ve mastered the skill, your brain conserves energy by using shorter neural pathways. “So what I recommend is always staying curious and actively learning new things. Learning new languages, for example, is very effective for strengthening your brain . “
The doctor also shares a tip, accessible to everyone: “Are you right-handed? Take ten to fifteen minutes a day to do your daily activities with your left hand, and vice versa if you are left-handed. By doing this, it will “challenge” the brain, forcing it to create new connections. Ultimately, you will force it out of its comfort zone, which is very beneficial for keeping it fit in the long term.”
