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How daily habits and primary care can protect your brain health as you age
A doctor from Oak Street Health explains how older adults can protect their cognitive health through daily habits and comprehensive primary care.
PrevNextOak Street Health’s Dr. Meredith Mucha shares how daily habits and primary care can help older adults protect their brain health and independence.
By:Cincy Lifestyle Staff
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Cognitive health, which means the ability to think, learn, and remember, plays a central role in older adults’ ability to make decisions, maintain memory, and preserve independence
Oak Street Health Senior Medical Director Dr. Meredith Mucha said brain health is shaped not only by genetics, but also by everyday choices
“Our brain health is not just affected by genetics, but it’s also affected by our daily habits,” Mucha said
Mucha said older adults should approach cognitive health the same way they approach physical health — with prevention in mind
“It very much benefits from prevention,” Mucha said
She said keeping the brain healthy requires daily engagement across several areas, including:
- Challenging the brain through puzzles, reading, or learning something new
- Regular physical activity
- Eating nutrient-rich foods such as nuts, whole grains, fish, and vegetables
- Avoiding habits like smoking, alcohol use, and a sedentary lifestyle
“It’s not really just one activity, it’s really developing a lifestyle, a healthy lifestyle to keep your brain engaged and active on a daily basis,” Mucha said
Mucha said cognitive health is also a core part of primary care at Oak Street Health, where providers see patients regularly over many years. That continuity allows the care team to detect subtle changes in memory early, investigate underlying causes, connect patients and families with re
“More importantly, I’d say, is creating a care plan that allows the patient to be healthy, independent for as long as possible,” Mucha said
At Oak Street Health, patients are supported not just by a primary care provider, but by a dedicated care team that includes a social worker and a behavioral health specialist. Many Oak Street Health centers also offer community programming such as arts and crafts, chair yoga, and educational opportunities
“It’s a community space,” Mucha said. “We have community rooms just for that purpose.”
Oak Street Health has 3 locations in Cincinnati: in Avondale, Fenneytown, and Westwood. Mucha said anyone interested in learning more is welcome to visit, meet the care team, and see how the practice supports older adults
More information and online booking are available at oakstreethealth.com
This segment, sponsored by Oak Street Health, aired on CINCY LIFESTYLE and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI
Cincy Lifestyle is an original, local lifestyle show focused on providing viewers with informative, useful and entertaining content. It features a variety of community organizations, businesses and happenings in the Greater Cincinnati area.
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Cincy Lifestyle Team
Michelle Hopkins
