First off, don’t you just love the way the word paradox sounds when you say it out loud? Paradox. Some words are just more fun.

Here’s a paradox: A child with a slightly damp sponge pours a glass of water on it and watches as the water is absorbed. This leads the child to believe that sponges absorb water.

However, on another day, the same child uses a bone-dry sponge, pours a glass of water on it, and is surprised to see the water run off. Now, the child is confused.

Is it possible for a sponge to absorb water and also repel water? We have two seemingly correct yet completely opposite conclusions to the same situation.

This is a paradox.

How Does This Apply to Preventing Dementia?

Just as a sponge’s condition affects its response to water, our brain’s state influences which lifestyle factors our brain will benefit from the most.

One fact that most of us agree on is that we don’t want our later years to be filled with confusion, forgetfulness, and a complete lack of independence. With that certainty, we often turn to books or the internet for guidance on lifestyle practices to maintain a healthy brain. Yet, much of the advice can feel like one paradox after another:

  • We are told to get together with friends, yet also to appreciate spending time alone
  • We hear about the benefits of listening to music and then to enjoy silence
  • We are urged to get up and dance and then to spend time in stillness
  • We read about the importance of creating habits while being advised to try new ways of doing things

And the list goes on. Can they all be correct?

In this case, yes. Each paradox is valid, and the key lies in the starting place.

Different Starting Points

The child’s sponges had different starting properties—one was damp, the other dry. Similarly, when we strive to create a brain-healthy lifestyle, we all begin with different “sponges.” And because the human brain is so complex, our “sponge” can be in a different state from one day to the next, requiring different care at different times.

Although learning about the best practices for maintaining a fit brain may seem confusing at first, it’s helpful to remember that our needs change.

Our starting place—our personality, current habits, cognitive strengths or weaknesses, and life experiences—determines what we need most to prevent dementia. The paradox isn’t a contradiction; it’s a reminder that the best choices are those that meet your current needs.

Reflect and Adapt

The paradox of preventing dementia invites us to step back and reflect: What’s your starting point? What does your brain need most right now? Whether it’s stillness or movement, habits or novelty, silence or connection, the key lies in self-awareness.

There is no one-size-fits-all answer—just like the sponge, your brain’s needs will change over time. So, take a moment to assess where you are today and make a choice that fosters your brain and your well-being. After all, preventing dementia isn’t just about avoiding decline—it’s about thriving in your later years.