Business & Finance Club - Health : Research has revealed activities that may enhance memory and promote overall brain health.

John H. Byrne, Ph.D., of the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) Medical School, says that exercise is one thing individuals can do to maintain their brain.

"There is a lot of recent evidence demonstrating that exercise itself promotes neurogenesis – the generation of new nerve cells in the brain," he said. "It had long been believed that once you lose nerve cells, they are gone for good and the brain cannot regenerate them, but exercise appears to inspire the brain’s ability to generate nerve cells."

Exercising the brain through activities like reading or doing crossword puzzles, also help preserve brain function. Byrne says studies have shown that individuals who take part in intellectual activities have a lower incidence of Alzheimer’s as well.

Eating the right foods may also help the brain.

"There are certain ‘brain foods’ that seem to have a benefit on the brain," Byrne said. "New research shows that omega-3 fatty acids, such as those found in salmon and other fish, may build the brain’s gray matter. Foods and beverages that are rich in antioxidants may also help keep the brain sharp. For brain food, consider a glass of red wine, some salmon, blueberries, a little bit of chocolate or a cup of green tea."