Welcome back to the Cognitive Thrive blog, where we explore practical tools and insights for maintaining brain health as we age. In this episode, Judi Prichard—certified cognitive coach and founder of Cognitive Thrive—delves deep into the world of cognitive stimulation and its crucial role in keeping your brain sharp and resilient.
Whether you’re noticing subtle shifts in memory or simply looking to age proactively, understanding how to stimulate your brain properly can make all the difference.
What Is Cognitive Stimulation?
Cognitive stimulation refers to a wide range of activities designed to engage and challenge various areas of the brain. Much like physical fitness strengthens the body, mental fitness exercises help enhance cognitive functions such as memory, attention, and problem-solving.
While many people claim to “exercise their brain” through activities like crosswords or watching trivia shows, Judi explains to clients that these activities often tap into already stored knowledge. Real growth happens when we challenge ourselves with new learning experiences—the kind that create new neural connections and strengthen cognitive reserve.
Why Is It Important?
Cognitive decline doesn’t always come with a diagnosis—it can begin subtly with changes in focus, memory, or impulse control. These changes are often attributed to personality shifts or stress, but they can be early signs of cognitive wear.
Judi emphasizes the concept of neurogenesis, the brain’s ability to generate new neurons throughout life, even into old age. Engaging in new and varied activities grows your brain’s “cognitive reserve,” which acts as a buffer against damage from aging, illness, or injury. Think of it like a solar battery for your brain—something you build up and rely on later when needed.
How to Exercise Your Brain the Right Way
The most effective cognitive stimulation goes beyond puzzles and memory apps. It incorporates novelty, movement, and multiple senses. Here are a few examples of effective cognitive workouts:
- Learn a new skill – Whether it’s dancing, woodworking, or digital photography, the challenge of following instructions and mastering a new activity activates multiple brain areas.
- Try complex games – Board games, card games, and even strategy-based mobile apps can help, especially when they involve social interaction.
- Explore physical activities with a mental component – Things like navigating a scavenger hunt with GPS or assembling a complex object can combine movement with mental effort for supercharged stimulation.
- Engage in tactile learning – Activities that use your hands (such as crafts, cooking with new techniques, or building furniture) stimulate both cognitive and sensory processing.
Recognize the Signs—and Act Early
Often, it’s the people around us who first notice subtle cognitive changes. If a loved one mentions that you’ve become more impulsive or distracted, don’t dismiss it. These can be signs of shifts in brain function that are addressable with the right tools.
The best place to start? Judi recommends taking a cognitive profile assessment. Request an assessment here: https://cogni-thrive.com/contact. This personalized tool identifies your cognitive strengths and areas for growth, allowing you to tailor your mental workouts accordingly.
Don’t Wait—Thrive Now
The most empowering message of all? You don’t have to accept cognitive decline as an inevitable part of aging. With proper stimulation and consistent practice, you can develop brain resilience and maintain mental sharpness for years to come.
“This is one of those areas where being proactive really matters,” says Judi. “You can make a difference, but you have to start now.”
Learn More with the Cogni-Thrive Podcast
Be sure to catch the upcoming episodes of the Cognitive Thrive podcast, where Judi and Philip will explore topics to help boost brain health exponentially.
In the meantime, please visit our Facebook page and the Care and Thrive Foundation website for additional resources and to schedule your personalized cognitive profile.
Thrive on!
