CC Aging Guide 2026 - Flipbook - Page 32
10
HEALTHY HABITS
FOR YOUR BRAIN
TAKE CHARGE OF YOUR BRAIN HEALTH. THESE HEALTHY HABITS CAN LOWER THE RISK
OF DEVELOPING COGNITIVE DECLINE AND POSSIBLY DEMENTIA. THIS IS TRUE EVEN FOR
PEOPLE WITH A HISTORY OF DEMENTIA IN THEIR FAMILIES.
Follow as many of these tips
as possible to achieve the
most benefits for your brain
and body. It’s never too late
or too early. Start now!
Challenge
your mind
Stay in school
Be curious. Put your brain to work and
do something that is new or hard for
you. Learn a new skill. Try something
artistic. Challenging your mind may
have short- and long-term benefits
for your brain.
Control your
blood pressure
Protect your
head
Help prevent an injury to your head.
Wear a helmet for activities like
biking, and wear a seatbelt. Protect
yourself while playing sports. Do what
you can to prevent falls, especially for
older adults.
Medications can help lower high
blood pressure. And healthy habits
like eating right and physical activity
can help too. Work with a health
care provider to control your blood
pressure.
Be smoke-free
Manage
diabetes
Quitting smoking can lower the
risk of cognitive decline back to
levels similar to those who have not
smoked. It’s never too late to stop.
Type 2 diabetes can be
prevented or controlled by healthier
eating, increasing physical activity
and medication, if necessary.
Sleep well
Get moving
Engage in regular exercise. This
includes activities that raise your
heart rate and increase blood flow
to the brain and body. Find ways to
build more movement into your day
— walking, dancing, gardening —
whatever works for you!
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Education reduces your risk of
cognitive decline and dementia.
Encourage youth to stay in school
and pursue the highest level of
training possible. Continue your own
education by taking a class at a local
library, college or online.
Good quality sleep is important for
brain health. Stay off screens before
bed and make your sleep space as
comfortable as possible. Do all you
can to minimize disruptions. If you
have any sleep-related problems,
such as sleep apnea, talk to a health
care provider.
Eat right
Eating healthier foods can help
reduce your risk of cognitive decline.
This includes more vegetables and
leaner meats/proteins, along with
foods that are less processed and
lower in fat. Choose healthier meals
and snacks that you enjoy and are
available to you.
Maintain a
healthy weight
Talk to your health care provider
about the weight that is healthy for
you. Other healthy habits on this list
— eating right, physical activity and
sleep — can help with maintaining a
healthy weight.
Learn more at alz.org/healthyhabits.
2026 – 2027 Carroll County Division of Aging & Disabilities Resource Guide
