How Healthy Lifestyle Habits Can Help Protect Your Brain As You Get Older

The important results from a major $50 million study sponsored by the National Alzheimer’s Association were recently featured on NPR and in The New York Times. There is good news indeed. The study validated the type of program BrainSavers has been providing for years: a multi-component, easy-to-follow lifestyle program that takes care of your brain and body as you age to protect you against Alzheimer’s disease.

What Did the Study Find?

The study looked at thousands of older adults and followed them for several years. Scientists wanted to know if certain healthy habits—like eating well and staying active—could lower the chance of getting  Alzheimer’s disease.

The answer: An Unequivocal Yes! People who lived and practiced healthy lifestyles were much less likely to get dementia—even if their family sometimes had brain health problems.

Which Habits Help Our Brains?

The study found five main habits that help keep your brain strong:

1. Eat healthy foods: Foods like vegetables, berries, whole grains, and fish are great.

2. Exercise: Walking, stretching, or any movement is good for you.

3. Sleep well: Try to rest for 7-8 hours every night.

4. Stay social: Talk with friends and family. Don’t be alone too much.

5. Don’t smoke: Cigarettes hurt your brain and your body.

People who did at least four of these five things had a much smaller chance of getting memory problems.

Why Is This Important?

Many people worry that they will lose their memory as they get older, especially if others in their family have had dementia. But this study shows that your daily choices matter a lot—even if you are at a higher risk because of your genes.

You have the power to help your brain by making healthy choices every day. And that’s exactly why we started BrainSavers, and what we teach every day.

Easy Ways to Begin

You don’t have to change everything at once. Even small steps can help.

• Take a short walk each day.

• Eat an extra serving of vegetables at dinner.

• Call a friend or family member.

• Try to go to bed at the same time each night.

• Ask for help if you want to quit smoking.

The BrainSavers program can help you with all these lifestyle changes and more.

The Bottom Line

You can start helping your brain today. Simple, healthy habits really make a difference, now and in the future. You will feel better, enjoy life more, and build health insurance that is almost free!

For more tips on keeping your brain healthy, check out the programs and advice on www.brainsavers.com.

A healthy brain starts with everyday choices. Start today—you’ll thank yourself tomorrow!