While part of our brain health is genetic (studies have shown that dementia can run in families, for example), our lifestyles can have a huge impact on what’s going on upstairs.

The seven lifestyle factors Langley and Sahakian identify in the book are:

1. Exercise

Exercise is an all-rounder when it comes to health, so you probably won’t be surprised to learn that it can benefit the brain, too. In the short term, regular movement can enhance our cognition, attention and mood, as the increased blood flow triggered by our heart rate delivers more oxygen and nutrients to the brain. In the long term, physical activity can also reduce our risk of dementia, and social forms of exercise – such as group classes or team sports – can also be a great way to foster social interaction (more on that later). Aerobic activities and those which exercise your co-ordination and balance are particularly beneficial.

2. Diet

Your brain is a nutrient-hungry organ, so making sure you’re eating the right foods is key if you want to keep your brain happy and healthy. The MIND diet was specifically designed to support brain health (you can find out more about that here), but Langley and Sahakian recommend simply trying to eat healthy foods that you enjoy and making sure you’re eating a balanced diet. Nutrients which are particularly important for brain health include omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids (found in fish and seafood, nuts and seeds and leafy greens) and vitamin D (found in oily fish and egg yolks).

3. Sleep

A lot goes on in the brain as we sleep. As we move from light sleep to deep sleep and REM sleep, the brain clears out waste products and toxins, consolidates memories and adapts to new inputs. It’s also important for our mental health (which is part of brain health), as a lack of sleep can reduce our ability to regulate our emotions. It’s why, when you don’t get enough sleep, you tend to feel pretty groggy, find it difficult to concentrate and feel more emotional than usual.

The 7 lifestyle factors that can make a real difference to your brain health, according to Cambridge neuroscientists