The brain is considered the most important organ in the body.

All the things that make us ‘human’ (feelings, thinking, memories, emotions) are controlled and coordinated by the brain, as well as those bodily functions (breathing, heartbeat, swallowing, digestion, eye movement) that keep us alive.

Good brain health is important so we can realise our own abilities and optimize our cognitive, emotional, psychological and behaviour functioning to cope with life situations.
Keeping your brain healthy through all stages of life, improves overall health and wellbeing and longevity.

The keys to good brain health  are regular exercise, getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, maintaining social connections and keeping mentally active.

Trauma, ill health and disease, can negatively impact an individual’s capacity to participate in the required activities that help maintain brain health and prevent cognitive decline.

Assistive technology (AT) can level the playing field by providing ways to engage in life activities, and thus improve brain health and help stop further damage and/or limit functional loss.

 From simple AT such as a walking cane, to a computer powered vocal assistant program to aid communication, AT can be used to   help with travel, recreation, learning, social   activities, work and communication.

Here are some AT equipment and devices to   help keep your brain active and healthy:

• Specially designed lightweight wheelchairs and walking aids can help with mobility and participation in recreational activities (which are all good forms of exercise).
• A good pillow, temperature regulating bedding or bracelets, white noise machines, sleep trackers, eye masks and noise reduction ear plugs are all great AT to aid in getting eight hours of un-interrupted sleep.
• Weighted or long handled cutlery, high sided or lipped plates/bowls, side opening ovens, one-handed cutting boards and counter mounted can openers are just a few low tech AT solutions to aid in the kitchen and help to ensure a balanced diet.
• Mobile phones, social apps such as Skype, FaceTime and Snapchat are great ways to keep socially connected. Aids such as automatic page turners, book holders, and adapted pencil grips are ways AT can keep individuals socially connected through work and learning.
• Those with motor limitations can still use AT.  Adapted switches can be used to operate home appliances, computers, fixtures, toys, learning devices and different types of electronic gadgets (all good for keeping mentally active).

 If you would like more information on a specific AT device or equipment or to book an appointment, please contact our friendly Indigo team on 08 9381 0600, visit our website  www.indigosolutions.org.au or to view a range of different AT products online you can search NED, our national equipment database, at www.askned.com.au.