Stay cognitively active
The effect of cognitive activities on brain health.
Your brain isn’t a muscle, but it works according to a similar principle: what you use, stays stronger. People who continue to actively use their brain throughout their lives generally have a lower risk of rapid cognitive decline. Even when changes occur in the brain, they often continue to function well in daily life for longer.
That is why cognitive activity is included in the LIBRA score as a protective factor for brain health.
What do we mean by staying cognitively active?
Staying cognitively active means regularly challenging your brain. It doesn’t have to be complicated. It involves activities that require you to think, remember, plan, or learn something new, such as:
- reading, writing, or following a newspaper
- puzzles and games
- learning new skills or hobbies
- making music, singing, or learning an instrument
- work or volunteer activities that involve organizing and decision-making
The key is that the brain is actively engaged. Passive consumption, like watching TV for hours, hardly counts.
Why is cognitive activity good for your brain?
Building Cognitive Reserve By continuing to engage your brain for extended periods, you build a reserve. This reserve helps to compensate for changes or damage in the brain for a longer time, delaying the onset of noticeable symptoms.
Strengthening of Brain Networks Learning new information and using existing skills strengthens the connections between brain cells. This makes the brain more flexible and more resistant to decline.
Connection with Other Healthy Habits People who are cognitively active often have more social contacts and remain physically active. These factors complement each other and together contribute to brain health.
Common Misunderstandings
“Doing puzzles is enough” Puzzles can help, but variety is important. Reading, learning, and social interaction stimulate the brain in different ways.
“Training your brain only helps when you’re young” Even at an older age, the brain responds to challenges. Learning new things continues to have an effect, regardless of your age.
“It has to be difficult to be meaningful” It doesn’t have to be extremely challenging. Too much frustration actually works against you. A light challenge that interests you works best.
“I’m not smart enough for new things” Cognitive activity is not about being smart, but about staying curious and continuing to use your brain.
What can you do yourself?
Plan daily brain time Aim for about half an hour to an hour each day where you consciously do something that challenges your brain.
Choose something you enjoy Motivation is important. Activities that give joy are easier to maintain.
Vary the type of activity Alternate between language, memory, logical thinking, and creativity. This stimulates different parts of the brain.
Combine with social contact Learning or playing together enhances the effect. Consider a book club, game night, or course.
Keep trying new things New skills demand more from your brain than familiar routines. This makes them especially valuable.
Remind Brain Games, for your daily dose of brain training
We have developed a selection of Brain Games designed to train different cognitive functions. These are exclusively available for Remind+ users, inside the app itself.
When extra attention is needed
If cognitive activities become increasingly difficult or cause frustration, it may be a signal to discuss this with your doctor. Especially if there are memory complaints or other changes.
In short
By keeping your brain actively engaged, you build a buffer against cognitive decline. It doesn’t have to be complicated. Regularly reading, learning, playing, and staying curious is a powerful way to support your brain health at any age.
Sources
The other lifestyle factors
Frequently asked questions
How does Remind help me recognise changes in my brain in time?
Remind monitors multiple aspects of your brain health over time, such as thinking, memory, speech and daily functioning. By combining these signals you get a clear picture of what is normal for you and which changes deserve attention. This provides peace of mind and prevents you from reacting too late to subtle shifts.
Is Remind the same as a medical examination or diagnosis?
No. Remind is a wellbeing product and not a medical device. The app provides insight into patterns and changes but does not replace a doctor or a diagnosis. If you have concerns about your memory or functioning, always discuss your results with your GP.
How reliable are the measurement methods Remind uses?
Remind uses methods based on validated questionnaires and digital tests that are also applied in research and clinical settings. We combine multiple sources, such as speech, memory, behaviour and lifestyle, so that you do not get a single snapshot but a complete and reliable picture that grows as you use the app.
What happens to my data? Is anyone listening or reading along?
No. Remind never stores conversations or the content of messages. All data is processed with encryption, and we only use patterns such as pace, rhythm or accuracy, not content. You always decide which data you share and with whom.
What does my Remind brain age give me?
Your Remind brain age shows how your brain is functioning compared with what is normal for your age. You receive practical advice to strengthen your brain health and can see over time whether your actions have an effect. This helps you make informed choices and stay in control.