The human brain is a marvel, mysterious, powerful, and at the same time, delicate. Every single thought, memory, and idea springs from this 1.3kg organ. But keeping it sharp doesn’t always mean doing more. Sometimes, the smartest move is knowing what not to do.Dr Baibing Chen, a professor of neurology at the University of Michigan, has seen it all, from memory lapses to full-blown cognitive decline. But when it comes to his own brain health, he shared a few secrets with ‘CNBC Make It’ that people need to know about. Even small shifts in daily life can have lasting effects on memory, focus, and brain resilience.Here’s all we need to know about what this top neurologist avoids, and what can actually be done instead to boost brain power naturally.
Overdependence on GPS
Dr Chen avoids using GPS too often. Why? A landmark study on London taxi drivers showed that their brains, especially the hippocampus, which is crucial for memory—were larger and more active than usual. Constant navigation without help was building their brain like a muscle.A similar pattern was noticed in professions like ambulance driving, where spatial awareness is constantly used. These individuals had significantly lower Alzheimer’s risk.When the brain doesn’t need to remember routes or use visual memory, those neural pathways begin to weaken. It’s like skipping leg day at the gym—eventually, those muscles fade.Try mentally mapping out short routes, recalling landmarks, or even drawing directions from memory. It’s a small habit that can keep the brain agile and alert.
Energy drinks
Dr Chen warns against these sugar-packed, caffeine-laden drinks. While the instant jolt may feel like productivity, research reveals that excessive consumption may trigger sleep disorders, anxiety, and even seizures in extreme cases.Some energy drinks contain taurine and B vitamins in amounts that aren’t always regulated. These chemicals may interfere with natural brain function, disrupting sleep cycles and causing mental fog in the long run.A quick walk in the sun, a tall glass of lemon water, or even breathing exercises can refresh the brain more sustainably. Natural energy lasts longer—and doesn’t come with a neurological price tag.
Too many over-the-counter medications
Dr Chen has seen cases where frequent use of certain common medicines—like Pepto-Bismol—led to bismuth toxicity, mimicking symptoms of dementia. Zinc overdoses from misguided wellness trends even caused irreversible damage to the spinal cord in some patients.The issue isn’t the medicine itself—it’s the misuse. Even something as basic as cold remedies, when overused, can interfere with cognitive performance, especially in older individuals.When symptoms are mild, consider rest, hydration, or doctor-approved home remedies first. And always stick to prescribed dosages—not influencer advice.
Reclaiming brain health
Boosting brain power doesn’t always need biohacks or expensive supplements. Neurologists often suggest simple, grounding habits like:
- Reading something new daily, even for 15 minutes—especially non-fiction or puzzles.
- Learning unfamiliar routes or languages, which activate underused brain areas.
- Taking mindful pauses in the day to reflect, breathe, and observe surroundings.
- These practices help stimulate neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to form new connections. And that’s where real cognitive strength lies.