You can check if your brain is working properly at home by going to testmybrain.org
Testmybrain.org can help you test your brain function and cognitive function.
You can also check if your brain is working properly at home by doing a self administered Gerocognitive Exam which is a test that assesses your memory, language, reasoning and your problem solving skills.
A Mini Cog test is another test you can do which is a short test that involves you recalled 3 words and drawing a clock or the MoCA test which is a longer test that has 30 questions.
You can also use the apps which include Cogniciti which is a free assessment which includes feedback and a report to take to a doctor or BrainTrack which is also a free app that uses games to help you identify risk factors and also track cognitive decline.
You can know if your brain is OK by tracking your memory, mood and focus and by doing and taking cognitive tests.
Cognitive tests are one of the best ways of knowing if your brain is OK and how well it functions.
The signs that your brain is OK and healthy include you can think clearly and learn new things, you can move your body and balance okay, you can understand and also respond to emotions, you can sense any pressure, pain and temperature, you can make good decisions and solve problems, you have a good emotional balance and can interact with others.
Signs that your brain may not be OK include you're forgetful more often, you have trouble concentrating and focusing, you have poor judgement, you have difficulty sleeping, you have trouble with managing stress, you have low motivation, you have trouble following instructions or you have trouble finding your way around and getting lost a lot more than normal.
Taking a cognitive screening assessment test such as the MoCA and MMSE test can help you determine your brain health.
Tracking your focus and productivity and keeping a journal or using an app to track your mood and stress can also help you determine your brain function.
The best exercise for the brain are activities that challenge the mind and helps you learn new skills.
These exercises for the brain include learning new languages, physical activity and even games.
Staying physically active including through Aerobic exercise, mind body exercise are all good for the body and the brain.
To activate your brain you can challenge the brain with new skills and new information.
You can try learning a new language, reading, playing games, doing mental arithmetic, puzzles, learning to code etc.
Puzzles such as crossword puzzles, word finds, jigsaw puzzles and Sudoku are good for activating the brain and keeping you mentally fit.
Playing games like bridge, chess, computer games or bingo can also help activate the brain and keep it healthy.
Doing mental math instead of using a calculator can also keep the brain healthy and activate it.
Learning a language can improve memory, visual spatial skills and creativity and keep the brain healthy and active as well.
The brain can also heal itself overtime from anxiety and stress and overcoming anxiety disorder and panic and stress can help to repair your brain and return your brain to it's normal healthy state.
The brain can also repair itself from stress due to neuroplasticity but only to a certain extent.
The brain has the ability to rewire the neural pathways and adapt to new experiences and allows for some recovery from the effects of stress.
The brain can do better at repairing itself from stress when you implement stress management techniques and reduce your stress through social connection, meditation and exercise.
The amount of repair of the brain from stress will depend on the severity and duration of the stress.
Significant chronic stress can cause lasting changes in the brain function and brain structure.
Brain cells do regenerate but only to a certain extent.
Your brain cells regenerate through a process called neurogenesis.
Neurogenesis occurs in specific regions of your brain like the hippocampus and the olfactory bulb throughout your life.
The neurogenesis process is also facilitated by neural stem cells that reside inside the brain and have the potential to divide and differentiate into new neurons and other brain cells.
The brain can also repair itself to a certain extent depending in injury.
In response to a brain injury, the neural stem cells of the brain can become activated and produce new cells in order to replace any damaged ones.
This process of producing new stem cells is called regenerative neurogenesis.
However neurogenesis is limited in it's ability, scope and efficiency.
And the amount of new cells generated through neurogenesis is often small when compared to the total number of brain cells.
And any newly formed neurons may not always function perfectly or integrate fully into the existing neural network of the brain.
Age, genetics, exercise, diet and environmental factors also play a role in the ability of the brain cells to regenerate and repair itself.