Published March 14, 2026 09:11 am
The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America is encouraging people of all ages to achieve healthy aging by:
AFA President and CEO Charles J. “Healthy aging is a resolution everyone should make and stick to, because its benefits last beyond the New Year,” Fuschillo Jr. said. “Lifestyle choices can affect a person’s chances of developing Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia-related disease, as well as other health conditions. Incorporating these small steps into your life will go a long way in promoting good brain health and healthy aging.”
AFA encourages people to take the following ten steps:
• Eat well – Adopt a low-fat diet rich in fruits and vegetables like strawberries, blueberries and broccoli. Take vitamins daily. Limit your intake of red meat, fried and processed foods, salt and sugar. Generally, foods that are “heart healthy” are also “brain healthy.” Be sure to consult your doctor about what is an appropriate diet based on your medical needs.
• Stay active – Physical activity increases blood flow to the brain and can also help improve mood and overall well-being. Brisk walking benefits brain health, while aerobics can increase your heart rate, and weight training builds strength and flexibility. Try different activities until you find one that works for you.
• Learn new things – Challenge your mind by starting a new hobby like playing tennis, learning to speak a foreign language, trying a cooking class, or doing something you haven’t done before. Even something as simple as brushing your teeth with your non-dominant hand stimulates the brain and forces it to think outside of its normal routine.
• Get enough sleep – It’s important to get consistent, quality sleep every night; At least seven to nine hours is ideal. A good sleep environment is also helpful. Insomnia or sleep apnea can have serious physical effects and negatively impact memory and thinking. If you are having trouble sleeping, be sure to talk to your doctor about it.
• Keep track of your medications – Medications can affect everyone differently, especially as you age. Keep your doctor or local pharmacist updated about any changes with medications and have them review your medication list as medications may interact with each other.
• Stop smoking and limit alcohol – Smoking can increase the risk of serious diseases, while too much alcohol can affect memory, impair judgment and create safety problems.
• Stay connected – Maintaining social connections and an active social life is very important for brain health, cognitive stimulation and mood. Invite friends and family over for a meal, board games, or just hanging out. Getting involved in your community and participating in group activities is also beneficial.
• Know your blood pressure – Blood pressure can affect your cognitive functioning. Visit your doctor regularly to check your blood pressure and make sure it is within normal limits.
• See your doctor – keep getting checked. Health checks are important for managing chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and obesity, all of which can impact brain health. Talk to your doctor about any concerns or questions you have about your health.
• Get a memory screening – Our brain needs regular checkups, just like other parts of our body. Memory screening is a quick, easy, non-invasive test for our brain. Talk to your doctor about getting screened as part of your annual wellness exam or call AFA at 866-232-8484 (AFA offers screening for free with no minimum age or insurance requirement).
Additional information about healthy aging, brain health and wellness and memory testing can be found on AFA’s website, www.alzfdn.org, or by calling AFA’s helpline at 866-232-8484. The helpline is open seven days a week.
