by Beatrice Zatorska, Founder and CEO of PD Buddy App

When people talk about Parkinson’s, the focus often falls on movement. The tremors, the shuffles, the stiffness. But the brain, marvelous machine that it is, has more to do than just keep you walking in a straight line. Memory, problem-solving, concentration, quick thinking, decision-making – all these live upstairs in the mental control room. And like muscles, they need training if you want them to stay strong.

There’s good news here. Research suggests that keeping the brain busy is one of the best ways to fight off cognitive decline. Think of it like this: your neurons love a challenge. When you solve puzzles, when you learn something new, or when you dive into a tricky crossword, you’re actually building stronger connections in the brain. Scientists call this “cognitive reserve,” which is basically your brain’s back-up plan. The more reserve you build, the more resilient your mind becomes against the wear and tear of conditions like Parkinson’s.

So what does this look like in real life?

It doesn’t mean enrolling in a PhD in astrophysics, unless that happens to be your thing. It’s about keeping your brain active in ways that are fun, regular, and just a little bit demanding. Studies show that people who stay mentally and socially active often keep their thinking skills sharper for longer. There’s even evidence that those who continue working, especially in jobs that require problem-solving or learning new skills, tend to maintain better cognitive health than those who stop. It turns out your boss may be doing your brain a favour, whether you like it or not.

Mental Exercise is Key

If you want to give your neurons a proper workout, there are endless options. Old school is still gold: crosswords, Sudoku, logic puzzles, and brain teasers all keep your mental gears turning. If you prefer something more digital, apps like Lumosity, Peak, and Elevate offer games designed to sharpen memory, speed, and attention. These tools don’t replace real-life activities, but they can be a handy way to sneak in ten or fifteen minutes of brain exercise between the morning coffee and the daily scroll. Think of it as a quick gym session for your mind.

How much is enough?

Scientists don’t prescribe a rigid formula, but the general idea is “little and often.” Ten to twenty minutes a day of focused cognitive activity can be surprisingly powerful. It’s like brushing your teeth. You wouldn’t skip it for a week and then try to make up for it all in one go. The brain prefers regular stimulation. Pair that with things like reading, learning a new skill, or even taking up a musical instrument, and you’re giving your grey matter a gourmet buffet of challenges.

And let’s not forget the lifestyle extras. Physical exercise boosts blood flow to the brain and releases chemicals that support memory and mood. A decent diet full of colourful fruit, vegetables, omega-3s, and whole grains fuels the brain’s machinery. Some people swear by supplements such as omega-3, vitamin D, and CoQ10, though the evidence is mixed and you’ll want to have a word with your doctor before adding anything new to your regime. Sleep is another underrated hero: it’s during deep rest that your brain clears out toxins and files away memories. Cut corners on sleep and you’re robbing your mind of vital maintenance time.

Social life counts too.

Chatting with friends, debating the news, or laughing at bad jokes all push your brain into action. Human connection demands quick thinking, empathy, memory recall, and language all at once. In other words, a dinner with mates can be just as valuable to your cognitive health as half an hour of Sudoku.

Cognitive wellness isn’t about being a genius. It’s about giving your brain the conditions it needs to stay lively, alert, and adaptable.

Parkinson’s may try to slow things down, but you have tools at your disposal to keep your mind moving forward. So set yourself a challenge today. Pick up that crossword, download a brain game app, learn a few words in Italian, or finally tackle that piano in the corner. Your brain will thank you – and who knows, you might even surprise yourself.