Neuroscientist Shares 3 Simple Brushing Habits to Reduce Dementia Risk

New Delhi | Dec 29, 2025 Brushing your teeth is something most of us do automatically every morning and night, rarely thinking about the impact it could have beyond oral hygiene. But neuroscientist Jules says this daily routine can actually be turned into a simple yet powerful exercise to reduce dementia risk. Dementia, a group of conditions that affect memory, thinking, and daily functioning, is increasingly affecting people at younger ages. Studies have shown that the prevalence among people aged 40–64 has doubled globally over the past three decades, highlighting the importance of adopting habits that support brain health early on. The good news is that small, consistent changes in daily routines—like how you brush your teeth—can make a significant difference. Jules shared three simple techniques that can be easily incorporated into your brushing routine to challenge your brain. The first is to use your non-dominant hand. Most people instinctively brush with their dominant hand—right for most, left for some—but this motion is almost entirely automatic. Switching to your non-dominant hand forces your brain to pay attention and engage in a more conscious way. “This helps break autopilot behavior, encourages new neural connections, and strengthens cognitive reserve, which is the brain’s ability to stay resilient as we age,” Jules explained. The slight discomfort felt when using the other hand is actually a sign that the brain is actively working, forming new pathways that help maintain cognitive function. The second technique is standing on one leg while brushing. This adds a balance challenge that activates the brain’s vestibular and proprioceptive systems, which are responsible for spatial awareness and coordination. Studies show that people with better balance generally have better cognitive health, and practicing balance exercises can help prevent cognitive decline. Jules noted that even a small effort to maintain stability while performing a routine task engages multiple parts of the brain, promoting overall brain health while strengthening coordination. The third and most challenging habit is a brain game called the reverse letter-number sequence. While brushing, recite the alphabet backward from Z to A, pairing each letter with its corresponding number in reverse order, like Z26, Y25, X24, W23, and so on. This dual-task exercise engages working memory, attention, and executive function by forcing the brain to manage two sequences simultaneously. For an added challenge, Jules suggests combining this activity with standing on one leg, which turns it into a dual-task exercise. This combination not only improves cognitive function but also enhances concentration, coordination, and mental flexibility. Integrating these small exercises into a simple daily routine like brushing your teeth is practical and easy. While it may feel awkward at first, the repetition helps reinforce neural pathways and keeps the brain active. Even if done for just a few minutes each day, these techniques can contribute to long-term cognitive resilience. Experts stress that dementia risk is influenced not only by genetics but also by lifestyle choices, and engaging in simple cognitive challenges daily is a proven way to support brain health. Jules emphasizes that these exercises are not about perfection or intense effort. The key is consistency and intention. “Even small, repeated challenges help the brain adapt and stay sharp,” she said. Over time, these small practices accumulate, strengthening cognitive reserve and supporting mental fitness. Starting with something as routine as brushing your teeth makes brain training accessible and easy to remember. By using your non-dominant hand, standing on one leg, and practicing the reverse letter-number sequence, you can turn a daily habit into a brain-boosting activity. These exercises provide mental stimulation, support memory, and may reduce dementia risk while fitting seamlessly into your everyday routine. Neuroscientist Shares 3 Simple Brushing Habits to Reduce Dementia Risk Brushing your teeth is something most of us do automatically, but neuroscientist Jules says it can also help keep your brain sharp and lower the risk of dementia. Dementia affects memory, thinking, and daily tasks, and studies show it’s now appearing earlier in life, even in people aged 40–64. The good news is that small habits can make a big difference. Jules shared three simple ways to turn brushing into a brain-boosting exercise. First, use your non-dominant hand. If you’re right-handed, try brushing with your left hand, and vice versa. This challenges your brain, breaks the autopilot routine, and helps form new neural connections. Even though it feels awkward at first, that discomfort means your brain is working. Second, stand on one leg while brushing. This strengthens your balance and activates parts of the brain that control coordination and spatial awareness. Research shows people with better balance often have healthier cognitive function. Combining balance with brushing is an easy way to give your brain a workout every day. The third tip is a mental exercise called the reverse letter-number sequence. Say the alphabet backward from Z to A while pairing each letter with its number in reverse, like Z26, Y25, X24, and so on. This challenges your attention, memory, and thinking skills. For an extra boost, try doing this while standing on one leg. It might feel tricky, but that’s exactly what makes it effective. Even doing these exercises for a few minutes each day can help strengthen your brain, improve focus, and support long-term cognitive health. The key is consistency and intention, not perfection. By turning a simple routine into a mental workout, you can make a small daily habit a powerful tool for staying sharp.