Cognitive health is not something to take for granted. Although a certain level of memory loss can be expected as people age, when the ability to clearly think, learn, and remember is compromised, those changes can affect an individual's ability to perform daily activities and are a cause for concern.

Brain health should be a priority for everyone. The National Institute on Aging (NIA) says brain health is an umbrella term that encompasses a host of factors, including cognitive health, which is how well a person thinks, learns, and remembers; motor function, or how movements are made and controlled; tactile function, which is how a person feels sensations; and emotional function, or how emotions are interpreted and responded to.

Individuals can safeguard brain health - particularly cognitive health - by taking the following steps.

Be more health-conscious. People should get routine screenings, manage chronic health problems, limit or avoid alcohol and nicotine products, and get the recommended amount of sleep each night.

Manage high blood pressure. All chronic conditions cause long-term repercussions, but the NIA indicates that observational studies show that having high blood pressure in mid-life increases the risk of cognitive decline later in life. Lowering blood pressure lowers the risk for mild cognitive impairment and possibly dementia.

Challenge your brain. Harvard Medical School says nurturing social connections, engaging in stimulating mental activities like reading and doing puzzles, seeing new places, and learning new things can help keep the brain in top form.

Manage stress. Stress can take its toll on the body, and there is reason to believe that it may adversely affect cognitive health as well. Make every effort to reduce stress, whether that involves exercising, meditating, laughing with friends and family members, taking vacations, or engaging in other relaxing activities.

Get enough vitamin D. Vitamin D is linked to a host of health benefits, including its potential to promote a healthy brain. Individuals can spend more time outdoors to get vitamin D naturally from the sun and eat foods rich in vitamin D. If doctors find that vitamin D levels are exceptionally low, supplements can help. Pay attention to hearing loss. At least one type of hearing loss has been linked to cognitive decline, says Healthline. Researchers in Italy concluded that people with central hearing loss had a higher risk of mild cognitive impairment than those with no hearing loss or peripheral hearing loss. Individuals with central hearing loss are urged to speak to their physicians to determine if they can take preventive action to stave off further decline.

Cognitive health should be a priority, and adults can employ various strategies to reduce their risk of cognitive decline as they age.