Healthy lifestyle choices can support your brain at any age. Many of the same steps that keep your heart healthy also help your brain.
-
Risk Reduction Tips
- Be physically active most days of the week
- Eat a balanced diet rich in vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins
- Don’t smoke; limit alcohol
- Stay socially connected and engaged in meaningful activities
- Challenge your brain with learning and hobbies
-
Manage Chronic Conditions
Work with your provider to manage high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, hearing loss, and depression. Treating these conditions can help protect your brain.
-
Sleep and Mental Health
Good sleep and stress management support thinking, memory, and mood. If you snore loudly or feel excessively tired, ask your provider about screening for sleep apnea.
Helpful Resources
- Alzheimers.gov
Tips for healthy living. - Worried About Memory?
How and when to talk to your health care provider. - Healthy Brain Virginia
Learn about brain health across the lifespan.
Healthy Brain Virginia Factsheets
6 Healthy Brain Habits
English | Español | Tiếng Việt | 中文 | 한국어 | العربية
Six healthy brain habits to consider adopting.
Benefits of Physical Activity
Exercise and other physical activity have clear benefits for brain health and dementia risk reduction.
Getting a Good Night’s Sleep
Quality sleep is also associated with better brain health. Download for some tips to better sleep.
Consequences of Poor Sleep Health
Our bodies do not cope well with poor or low quality sleep. Download to see how a lack of quality sleep can affect your physical and cognitive health.
This program is managed by Dementia Capable Virginia.