How to manage emotions and keep your brain younger
Around 51 million Americans contend with depression. Another 40 million American adults are treated for anxiety annually. And almost 50% of folks diagnosed with depression are also diagnosed with an anxiety disorder.
Those emotional challenges can trigger premature brain aging. Researchers looking at the impact of depression and anxiety -- either separately or as co-existing diagnoses -- in more than 21,000 folks found that those mental health disorders affect the anterior frontal, orbitofrontal, and temporal pole brain regions. Those are areas of the brain that are responsible for muscle control and movements, self-control and emotions, executive functioning, word comprehension, face recognition and the regulation of behavior. When those functions age faster than normal, you can end up with more than trouble remembering things (i.e., cognitive problems).
That's why it's important to seek treatment for depression and anxiety that combines talk therapy and the use of appropriate medications with daily exercise. One study found that physical activity is 1.5 times more effective at reducing mild-to-moderate symptoms of depression and anxiety than medication or cognitive behavior therapy. Upgrading your nutrition is also helpful: Observational studies show that giving up highly processed foods in favor of an anti-inflammatory Mediterranean diet can reduce depression symptoms by 30%. And preliminary investigations indicate that eating more fruits, omega-3 fatty acids, and getting a healthy intake of zinc, magnesium and selenium along with probiotics helps ease anxiety.
For more help combating emotional upsets with lifestyle changes, tune into my "YOU: The Owner's Manual" podcast at PodcastHealth.com and check out the AI coaching programs at 4YOUngevity.com.
Health pioneer Michael Roizen, M.D., is chief wellness officer emeritus at the Cleveland Clinic and author of four No. 1 New York Times bestsellers. Check out his latest, "The Great Age Reboot: Cracking the Longevity Code for a Younger Tomorrow," and find out more at www.4YOUngevity.com. Email your health and wellness questions to Dr. Mike at drmikerealage@gmail.com.
(c)2026 Michael Roizen, M.D.
Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
(c) 2026 Michael Roizen, M.D. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
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