• Exercise—Get moving! Studies show that through exercise you’ll improve blood flow to the brain, release hormones that make you feel good, and stimulate growth factor to help create new neurons and synapses in your brain. Be consistent, mix it up, and don’t forget to move anywhere and everywhere.
• Nutrition—What’s good for your heart is good for your brain. Research shows that it improves every aspect of your health to switch out old-fashioned meat and potatoes for the healthier Mediterranean and MIND diets. That means less red meat and bad fats—and loads more fruits and vegetables, avocados, fish, legumes, beans, whole grains, and healthy fats, such as olive oil, seeds, and nuts. Fill your plate with colorful fruits and vegetables. Lose the refined sugar. Hydrate!
• Move Your Mind—Challenge your brain. Research indicates that mental activity offers benefits to brain health. Learn something new to create new neural connections. Study an unfamiliar language or take up an instrument. Other ideas include playing, singing, and listening to music. Changing up your daily routines will also help. And give your brain a break from multitasking all the time—by focusing on too many things at once, you are compromising your ability to store information over short periods of time.
• Sleep—Rest your busy mind. Sleep is essential in the formation of memories and also in cleaning out amyloid deposits that can lead to Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Your brain needs 7–9 hours a night, so don’t cheat yourself of sleep’s many therapeutic benefits.
• Well-Being—Take good care of your precious body. Put out the cigarettes. Practice mindful meditation. Reduce stress and anxiety. Laugh! Stay positive, and find places in your life to rest. Research shows that spending time in nature lowers cortisol—a stress hormone—and is linked with longer life in women, so take a long, silent walk outside.
• Social Connection—Love your friends and family. Research shows that social isolation is dangerous to your health—and that people who stay connected and have regular social interaction with friends and family maintain brain vitality. Share your concerns and grief; engage with others, and reach out to new friends. Remember your stories and share them with others! Memories are the connective tissue that make us and our relationships unique.

For more information about the groundbreaking work of the Women’s Alzheimer’s Movement, please visit:

@thewomensalzheimersmovement

@womensalzmovement

@womensalz

What’s next on
your reading list?

Discover your next
great read!

Get personalized book picks and up-to-date news about this author.

Sign up now.