Forgetting words

AWords can sometimes be difficult to remember. When I am typing or speaking, I sometimes suddenly forget the word I want to use. In the past, I thought this was normal. Now, because I am 61 years old, I sometimes worry that it could be an early sign of dementia. My friends and I even joke about this when we forget things.

More interest in brain health

BToday, many people are worried about their brain health. There are more articles about how to improve memory and concentration. There are also many advertisements for vitamins and supplements that promise to help the brain. Americans spend billions of dollars every year on products that may improve brain function. About one in five adults over the age of 50 uses vitamins or supplements for memory, attention or focus.

Brain training

CThere are also many books about keeping the brain healthy. Some experts say that a healthy diet, exercise and an active life may help protect the brain. Many people also believe that puzzles and brain games are useful. This has helped make Sudoku, crosswords, brain-training websites and apps very popular. However, it is not always clear how much these games really help.

Dementia and older people

DPeople today live longer than people in the past. Because of this, more people may develop Alzheimer's disease or other types of dementia. About 7.4 million Americans live with Alzheimer's disease. More than 12 million family members and other unpaid caregivers help take care of them. Many people have seen a parent, grandparent or other loved one become confused and lose memories. They may slowly lose their independence and need more help with everyday life.

The brain as part of self-care

EBrain health is becoming a new part of self-care. People already spend time and money improving their skin, body and weight. Now they are also thinking about how to keep their brains healthy. For some people, the brain may become another part of the body that they want to improve.

A strange situation

FHowever, there is something strange about this interest in brain health. People are worried about keeping their brains strong, but at the same time, they are giving more thinking tasks to artificial intelligence. AI can now write, answer questions and solve problems for us. This may mean that people use their own brains less.

The writer's own habits

GI try not to spend too much time using AI. I do puzzles, but I do not take brain pills. I also drink less alcohol than I did in the past. Still, I often wonder whether my brain is healthy. I do not know if I worry because I am getting older or because society talks much more about brain health today.