By Cory Lamar, MD – Board-Certified in Clinical Neurophysiology and Epilepsy
As we enter the new year, Advanced Neurology Specialists encourages you to consider resolutions that protect your most vital organ—your brain. While many people focus on weight loss or financial goals, investing in your neurological health can provide benefits that last a lifetime. Here are evidence-based strategies you can implement this year to reduce your risk of neurological conditions and optimize brain function.
Prioritize Quality Sleep
Sleep is not a luxury—it’s a neurological necessity. During sleep, your brain clears toxic proteins, consolidates memories, and repairs cellular damage. Chronic sleep deprivation has been linked to increased risk of dementia, stroke, and other neurological disorders. This year, commit to seven to nine hours of quality sleep nightly. Establish a consistent sleep schedule, create a dark and cool bedroom environment, and limit screen time before bed. If you experience persistent snoring, daytime fatigue, or interrupted breathing during sleep, consult a specialist about possible sleep apnea, which significantly increases stroke risk.
Move Your Body, Protect Your Brain
Regular physical activity is one of the most powerful tools for neurological protection. Exercise increases blood flow to the brain, promotes the growth of new neural connections, and reduces inflammation. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity weekly, combined with strength training twice per week. Activities don’t need to be intense—brisk walking, swimming, dancing, or cycling all provide significant benefits. Exercise also helps manage conditions like hypertension and diabetes, which are major risk factors for stroke and vascular dementia.
Adopt a Brain-Healthy Diet
The Mediterranean diet continues to demonstrate remarkable neuroprotective benefits. Focus on incorporating more vegetables, fruits, whole grains, fish, nuts, and olive oil into your meals while reducing processed foods, red meat, and added sugars. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fatty fish like salmon and sardines, support brain cell structure and reduce inflammation. Dark leafy greens provide folate and antioxidants that protect against cognitive decline. Stay well-hydrated, as even mild dehydration can impair cognitive function and increase headache frequency.
Challenge Your Mind
Cognitive engagement throughout life builds “cognitive reserve”—your brain’s resilience against age-related changes and disease. This year, commit to learning something new: a language, musical instrument, or complex skill. Engage in activities that require problem-solving, such as puzzles, strategy games, or creative pursuits. Social interaction is equally important; meaningful conversations and relationships stimulate multiple brain regions and protect against isolation-related cognitive decline.
Manage Stress and Mental Health
Chronic stress takes a measurable toll on brain structure and function, affecting memory, decision-making, and emotional regulation. Incorporate stress-management techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or yoga into your daily routine. Don’t ignore signs of depression or anxiety—these conditions are neurologically based and treatable. Seeking professional help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Schedule Your Neurological Check-Up
Finally, make 2026 the year you prioritize preventive neurological care. If you experience persistent headaches, memory concerns, dizziness, numbness, or other neurological symptoms, don’t dismiss them. Early detection and intervention can make a significant difference in outcomes for many neurological conditions.
At Advanced Neurology Specialists, we’re committed to helping you maintain optimal brain health throughout your lifetime. These resolutions aren’t about perfection—small, consistent changes create lasting neurological benefits. Start with one or two goals and build from there. Your brain will thank you for decades to come.
Contact Advanced Neurology Specialists today to schedule your consultation and make 2026 your healthiest year yet.
Cory Lamar, MD, is a triple-board certified neurologist at Advanced Neurology Specialists, LLC, in Naples, Florida. His mission is to provide high-quality neurological care to individuals living in and around Collier County.
Dr. Lamar is a native Floridian and became fascinated with the complexity of the brain during a neuroscience course at Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee. After completing his medical degree with high honors, Dr. Lamar completed a neurology residency and fellowship at Wake Forest Baptist Health in Winston Salem, North Carolina.
Dr. Lamar is triple board-certified in neurology, clinical neurophysiology, and epilepsy. At Advanced Neurology Specialists, LLC, he treats a wide variety of neurological conditions, including Parkinson’s disease, dementia, multiple sclerosis, headaches, and seizure disorders. He also provides stroke screening, prevention, and rehabilitation.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Lamar and the team at Advanced Neurology Specialists, LLC, call the office or request an appointment online today.
Advanced Neurology Specialists
239-667-5878
advancedneurofl.com
800 Goodlette Frank Rd N, Suite 250
Naples Fl 34102