Do you ever walk into a room and forget why? Next time, try closing your eyes to jog your memory. 

Your brain is a mysterious organ that researchers are still trying to better understand. Brain Awareness Week is a global campaign that raises public awareness about the progress and benefits of brain research, including research into the causes of Parkinson's disease (PD) and how to treat it. This year we wanted to provide you with 12 ways you can enhance your cognitive function, starting right now:

1. Keep Learning

   1. Choose activities that keep your brain working. Set out to complete a complex goal or learn something new.

2. Eat a Healthy Diet

   1. Following the proper Diet can help people with Parkinson's slow levadopa absorption into the brain. This diet not only helps the brain, but can reduce blood pressure and cardiovascular disease.    
      

3. Take a Book with You

   1. Reading is a complex task that requires multiple parts of the brain to work together. A complex book can improve memory and cause positive neurological changes that last even after you stopped reading.
      

4. Stay Social

   1. Staying social has been proven to help retain cognitive sharpness. Surround yourself with people who make you laugh and smile, or make new friends at Parkinson’s support groups.
      

5. Keep Calm

   1. Stress of any kind can temporarily worsen PD symptoms. Meditating just 15 minutes a day can bring a sense of calm and the ability to see things more clearly.
      

6. Get Enough Sleep

   1. Maintain a regular sleep schedule; get up and go to bed the same time every day.
      

7. Keep Track of Medications

   1. Establishing a daily routine helps keep you on track with medications and exercise regiments. It can also help with sleep and digestion issues.
      

8. Increase Your Heart Rate

   1. Intense exercise can improve efficiency of your brain cells using dopamine and lessen PD symptoms. 
      

9. Give Your Brain a Workout

   1. Creativity in everyday life provides excellent mental stimulation. Vary your activity to keep the mind strong and healthy.
      

10. Groove to the Music

    1. Listening to music can improve memory. Singing and dancing to a song helps cognitive and physical functions. Research shows that exercise, social stimulation and singing can help postpone PD symptoms.
       

11. Drink Caffeine

    1. Several studies have shown that caffeine may reduce the risk of developing Parkinson’s. A cup a day may also help with motor symptoms, boosting memory and lowering the risk of depression.
       

12. Laugh Out Loud

    1. Laughing stimulates different areas in the brain. Some studies show laughing can also improve short-term memory. Watching a funny movie or cat video is also a natural stress reducer.