Self-test health: Tapping your fingers can measure brain health

The brain is a very important part of the human body. As we age, our brain functions gradually decline. How to test your brain health by yourself? Some experts point out that you can test your brain health by playing finger touching games or finger tapping games.

Finger Touching Game Tests Brain

Coordination tests can help predict your risk of multiple sclerosis or stroke. British experts suggest sitting in front of a friend and asking them to move a finger back and forth, left and right, with the finger at arm's length from you. Each time you move, try to touch your friend's fingers, then touch your own nose. If you are unable to do this, it may mean that your cerebellum is damaged and you should be aware of brain diseases such as stroke.

Finger tapping tests brain aging

As we age, our brains gradually age and our hands and feet become less flexible. Experts use a simple finger tapping test to test whether the elderly's brain and motor abilities are declining. The study, published in the Journal of Brain and Cognition, selected 99 healthy participants aged 18 to 93 and numbered their fingers in order, with the thumb being 1 and the little finger being 5. During the test, five numbers in different orders, such as 24315, will flash on the computer screen; participants are required to tap the corresponding fingers in order according to the displayed numbers. After studying the time the participants needed to tap, the researchers found that the middle-aged group (40-63 years old) performed weaker than the young group (18-32 years old), while the elderly group (65-93 years old) took significantly longer. Researchers remind that the elderly can do this small exercise with their families to test the degree of brain aging. Once the reaction speed decreases, they should conduct a comprehensive screening for health risks, which will help delay the decline in cognitive function related to aging.

4 tips to protect your brain

1. Healthy blood circulation.

Maintaining healthy blood circulation is the first element to brain health. The brain relies on blood circulation at all times to supply it with nutrients and oxygen. All factors that are harmful to blood circulation, such as caffeine, nicotine, high blood lipids, high blood sugar, and high blood pressure, are harmful to the cardiovascular system and the brain as well.

2. Keep exercising.

Exercise can help speed up and normalize blood circulation. Exercise can promote blood supply and oxygen supply to the brain and maintain brain health. Exercise is the simplest, most effective and cheapest way to keep your brain healthy. Doing more than 30 minutes of aerobic exercise every day, such as a simple brisk walk, is the best investment in your brain's anti-aging health.

3. Get enough sleep.

Adults need at least 7 hours of sleep a day. A good night's sleep of 7 hours can give your brain enough rest and adjustment. Adequate sleep not only makes the brain work more efficiently when it is awake, but also prevents the brain from excessive fatigue and protects the brain from premature aging.

4. Positive thinking and a healthy attitude.

The brain is not only responsible for thinking, but also for emotions and mentality. There is an inextricable connection between people's thinking and emotional state of mind. In real life, a person with a healthy mentality always has positive thoughts.