Amy Sedaris, 64, Shares the Fun Brain-Boosting Habit That Keeps Her Sharp (EXCLUSIVE)
Doctors explain why having fun is more important for a sharper memory than we may realize
There’s nothing wrong with reading more books or swapping your nightly Netflix show for a crossword puzzle to keep your mind sharp. But maintaining your brain health doesn’t have to look a certain way. One person shining a spotlight on this topic? Actress Amy Sedaris, 64, known for her roles in films such as Elf and Maid in Manhattan. Sedaris has partnered with Dave & Buster’s and Centrum Silver to highlight how supplements and fun games can improve your brain health in easy, meaningful ways.
Dave & Buster’s launches new brain games with Centrum Silver
You may know Dave & Buster’s for its fun atmosphere and food, but it’s now teaming up with Centrum Silver for a new campaign called Silver Hours, running October 15 through November 14. Available weekdays from 11 am to 4 pm at select locations in Florida, Illinois and Arizona, the promotion offers adults 50+ a 10% discount on food, non-alcoholic drinks, power cards, and games. The initiative also highlights brain-boosting activities like “Pop the Lock,” an arcade favorite that helps sharpen reaction speed and pattern recognition. (To learn more or get the coupon, visit CentrumBrainBusters.com.)
And when paired with Centrum Silver, a multivitamin for adults 50 and older, you’ll be increasing the brain health-boosting benefits. In a study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, researchers tracked more than 21,000 adults over 60 who took Centrum Silver multivitamins daily for up to three years. Those who took the supplement showed measurable improvements in memory and overall cognitive performance. In fact, researchers estimated that taking a daily multivitamin could slow age-related cognitive decline by up to 60 percent. (See more everyday habits that prevent cognitive decline here.)
Woman's World Answers
“Cognitive performance is highly dependent on the appropriate intake of micronutrients, such as those found in Centrum Silver,” says Jennifer Brown, MD, ABOM, ABFM, a dual board-certified physician in family medicine and obesity medicine. “Our western diet is mainly composed of ultra-processed foods, many of which contain little to no nutritional value. A daily multivitamin supplement can replace those missing nutrients.”
How Amy Sedaris keeps her mind sharp at 64
In an exclusive interview with Woman’s World, Sedaris shared that she was drawn to this campaign not only for its focus on brain health through fun games, but also because it brought a new routine to her multivitamin regimen.
Before starting Centrum Silver, Sedaris said she used to take multiple vitamins to get the nutrients she needed. But with Centrum Silver, she can get what she needs with less.“This is my new thing, taking one instead of 30,” said Sedaris, who’s also a fan of Dave & Buster’s new brain games.
“I loved every game because I’m not [normally] a game player—except when I’m hanging out with my godkids,” she told Woman’s World. “It just makes me laugh, because I know I’m bad at it. But then [you get into it] and you’re like, wait, I understand what I’m supposed to do!”
Beyond keeping up with a daily Centrum Silver multivitamin and enjoying game nights at Dave & Buster’s, Sedaris says she keeps her mind sharp by socializing with friends. “I have a craft club,” Sedaris told Woman’s World. “I like bringing people together, and then I’ll cook. We socialize, toss out ideas [and] come up with ideas. So that’s what I do, as far as keeping my brain going.”
Why laughter is often the best medicine
While a balanced diet and vitamins are important, fostering brain health can take shape in many ways beyond nutrition alone.
“There’s certainly the delusion that brain health can only arise from supplements or diets,” says Parth Bhavsar, MD, a board-certified family medicine physician with extensive clinical experience in urgent care, virtual primary care and telehealth. “The reality? Fun itself is medicine. Novelty-driven activities or activities that induce laughter enhance neuroplasticity—the capacity for the brain to create new pathways.”
Dr. Bhavsar adds that play, imagination and socializing all decrease the stress hormone cortisol and boost the feel-good hormone dopamine, which is just as important to brain health as eating a healthy diet and getting enough sleep. “Brain health re-packaged in terms of fun makes people more likely to maintain it in the long run,” he adds.
3 easy ways to boost your brain health, backed by science
Want other ideas to make brain health fun? Here are three doctor-approved suggestions:
Start a new hobby
“Learning a new skill, such as playing an instrument or speaking a foreign language, challenges the brain and stimulates memory,” says Dr. Brown.
Pick up the pace
“Staying physically active through dance, a new sport or hiking maintains blood flow to the brain, which is essential for delivering vital oxygen and nutrients,” says Dr. Brown.
And breaking out your favorite dance moves—which you can do from the comfort of home—is an especially smart choice. “Dancing activates balance, rhythm and memory with motor learning,” adds Dr. Bhavsar.
Get zen
Dr. Brown recommends practicing mindfulness or meditation, both of which reduce stress and help you think more clearly.
The bottom line? Caring for your brain health doesn’t have to be complicated or boring—it can be as simple as playing a game, laughing with loved ones or keeping up with a daily multivitamin.
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