BRAIN & SOCIAL EFFECTIVENESS

• Studies show up to 45% of dementia cases, including those caused by Alzheimer’s disease, may be prevented or delayed by making changes to certain habits and behaviors

• Brain-healthy habits include the following:

  1.  staying physically active, 

  2. making good dietary choices, 

  3. remaining socially engaged, 

  4. and consistently practicing activities that exercise your brain

• Regular physical activity is essential for overall wellness and can help to lower the risk of cognitive decline. Developing healthy exercise habits now can provide lifelong benefits for brain health.
  When choosing physical activities, consider the following:

• If able, incorporate regular heart-healthy exercises. This can help reduce the risk of high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol, which have been shown to increase the risk of dementia

• Try to find things that engage your mind as well as strengthen social connections

• Pick activities you enjoy to help you stay consistent

THE FOOD YOU EAT IMPACTS YOUR BRAIN!

The following foods help support a healthy brain:

• Green, leafy vegetables – Kale, spinach, collards, broccoli, and similar leafy greens are packed with brain-boosting nutrients. Research suggests diets high in these foods may help slow cognitive decline

• Fatty fish – Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fatty fish like salmon, cod, canned light tuna, and pollock may improve overall brain health

• Berries – Flavonoids, the plant compounds that give berries their vibrant colors, have been shown to support memory and delay memory decline

• Walnuts – Nuts are a great source of protein and healthy fats. Walnuts, in particular, are rich in a type of omega-3 fatty acid associated with brain health

• Also eating fermented foods is essential for brain health because data shows that what affects your gut also affects your brain. Fermented foods are produced through controlled microbial growth, offering probiotics and beneficial bacteria for gut health. Key examples include dairy (yogurt, kefir), vegetables (sauerkraut, kimchi), soy (tempeh, miso, soy sauce), beverages (kombucha, kefir, apple cider vinegar), and breads (sourdough).