57. Never Stop Playing: How Games Keep Your Mind Young

What if the key to protecting your brain—and avoiding dementia—wasn't found in a prescription, but in your daily habits? In this episode of Walk, Don't Run to the Doctor, Dr. Miles Hassell dives into the powerful connection between exercise, leisure activities, and long-term brain health. Backed by decades of research, including a 40-year study showing up to a 90% reduction in dementia risk, this conversation explores how simple lifestyle choices can dramatically impact your future. Whether you're in your 20's or your 70's, the habits you build today can shape your cognitive health for years to come. Key Takeaways: Regular exercise can reduce the risk of dementia by up to 90% over time. Activities that combine physical + mental + social engagement (like dancing or sports) offer the greatest brain benefits. Higher intensity exercise (getting short of breath) leads to stronger cognitive and physical outcomes. Variety in movement improves balance, bone strength, and injury prevention as you age. Purpose and social connection play a major role in protecting brain function—even with physical signs of aging. Lifestyle choices often have a greater long-term impact than medical interventions. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 01:16 The 40-Year Study on Exercise & Dementia 01:48 Why This Podcast Exists (Taking Control of Your Health) 02:40 Why Brain Health Starts Early 04:36 Leisure Activities & Dementia Risk 06:23 Why Exercise Impacts Nearly Everything 07:40 How Hard You Should Be Exercising 08:16 The Power of Multimodal Activities (Like Dancing) 08:56 Can You Really Reduce Dementia Risk by 90%? 09:31 Combining Exercise, Diet, and Social Life 10:25 Why Variety in Exercise Matters 11:42 Preventing Falls, Injuries, and Decline 12:08 The Role of Purpose in Brain Health 13:09 Final Thoughts: Live Better, Longer Get your copy of Good Food Great Medicine, 4th ed.: https://a.co/d/1D6hIYM More references can be found at www.GreatMed.org Would you like Dr. Hassell to answer your question on the air? Contact us! Write us a letter, We love to hear from you! Send questions, comments, and support to: GreatMed.org Phone/text: 503-773-0770 e-mail: [email protected] EIN: 88-326-7056 4804 NW Bethany Blvd., Suite I-2, #273 Portland OR 97229 This podcast is sponsored by our generous listeners. #wellness #podcast #wellnessforlife #lifestyle #healthandwellnessgoals