Brain health
Why your brain feels foggy some days and sharp on others, and the everyday habits that make the biggest difference, explained from the research.
Most of what affects how well your brain works day to day isn’t mysterious. Sleep, stress, movement, food, alcohol and caffeine all leave measurable fingerprints on memory and attention, and most of them are things you can change. These guides explain what the research actually shows, where the evidence is strong, and where popular advice runs ahead of it.
If something specific brought you here, start with the common concerns: brain fog and everyday forgetfulness usually have ordinary, fixable causes. If you want the bigger picture, the guides to the hippocampus and neuroplasticity explain how the brain stores memories and keeps changing throughout life.
Common concerns
Common causes, and how to clear it.Why am I so forgetful?
Everyday causes, and when to worry.Memory and age
What’s normal and what isn’t.
Try it on your own brain
A quick way to see how you’re doing today. Try it now, then again after a good night’s sleep:
Daily habits
How sleep helps you remember.Stress and memory
Why your mind goes blank under pressure.Exercise and memory
What workouts really do for your brain.Best foods for brain health
What the research says, and which supplements flop.Alcohol and the brain
Blackouts, brain volume and recovery.
Inside your brain
The brain’s memory hub, and how to protect it.Neuroplasticity
How your brain rewires itself.
Brain tests for this topic
Frequently asked questions
What is the best thing you can do for brain health?
There’s no single trick, but the habits with the strongest evidence are regular sleep, regular physical activity, managing stress, and not drinking heavily. Our guides to sleep and exercise explain why.
Is brain fog a medical condition?
No. Brain fog is a description of symptoms like slow thinking and poor focus, not a diagnosis. It often has a treatable cause, such as poor sleep, stress, a vitamin deficiency or a medication. See what causes brain fog.
Can you improve your brain at any age?
Yes, within limits. The brain keeps forming and reshaping connections throughout life, which is called neuroplasticity. Exercise, learning new skills and good sleep all support it.
When should I worry about memory problems?
Occasional forgetfulness is normal. Talk to a doctor if memory problems are getting worse, affect daily life, or other people are noticing them. Our guide to memory and age covers what’s normal.
Explore other topics
Our guides are general information based on published research, not medical advice. If you’re worried about your memory, focus or health, talk to a doctor.