Health Minute (CNN) – A new report shows that many people believe it’s important to keep their brain healthy, but they’re not sure how. Despite progress and continued research, Alzheimer’s and other dementias remain a disease without a cure.
Alzheimer’s and other dementias cause cognitive decline, but there are ways to reduce the risk of developing the disease. A report from the Alzheimer’s Association states that many risk factors associated with later cognitive decline emerge in midlife. This is considered an important time to adopt healthy habits that can help with brain health in the future.
“Then we start worrying about our cholesterol, our blood pressure, our sleep, our stress levels. And really, at that time, there are things we can do to manage those things that can impact our brain health long-term,” said Heather Snyder of the Alzheimer’s Association.
Ten healthy habits that can help your brain:
- protect your head from injuries
- Prevent falls, especially for older adults
- challenge your brain
- regular exercise
- eat right
- stay smoke free
- maintain a healthy weight
- stay socially connected
- Manage medical conditions
- get good, quality sleep
“It’s not one thing or another, but it’s really bringing those things together and starting to make small changes that can really get you to a place of, uh, doing activities that are going to benefit your brain health long term,” Snyder said.
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