Protecting Brain Health For Everyone
We can all take steps to protect our brain health at any age. The media is full of claims which may be exaggerated or even false. The following are well established conclusions based on research. Some risk factors cannot be changed, such as age or family history. Others can be influenced by lifestyle, health care, and community support.
Common Dementia Risk Factors
Risk factors that are out of our control include:
- Increasing age
- Family history of dementia
- Being female
- Our genetic makeup
- Being African-American or Hispanic
Risk factors that we can control include:
- physical inactivity
- smoking
- excessive alcohol consumption
- head injuries
- infrequent social contact
- obesity
- high blood pressure
- high blood sugar (diabetes)
- depression
- hearing loss
- vision loss
- insufficient sleep
Steps to Support Brain Health
There is no guaranteed way to prevent dementia, but healthy habits can reduce risk and support overall brain health:
- Be physically active through walking, gardening, or other enjoyable movement
- Eat a balanced diet with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats
- Keep your mind active by learning, reading, or trying new hobbies
- Stay socially connected with friends, family, or community groups
- Manage chronic health conditions with the help of a healthcare provider
- Keep a healthy weight
- Treat depressive symptoms and manage stress
- Don’t smoke
- Limit alcohol
- Protect your head and prevent falls
- Get good sleep and care for your mental health
