Brain Health Can Start Today
Simple habits may help protect your memory and reduce risk for Alzheimer’s.
New research shows that nearly half of all dementia cases worldwide could be prevented or delayed by addressing 14 modifiable risk factors.
Why It Matters
Alzheimer’s is a brain disease. It makes it harder to remember, think, or make decisions. It’s the most common type of dementia.
Experts believe that most cases of Alzheimer’s dementia, like other common chronic diseases and conditions, develop because of multiple factors, rather than a single cause.
- About 1 in 9 people over age 65 have Alzheimer’s.
- Up to 45% of dementia cases might be prevented or delayed.
- There are 14 risk factors we can do something about.
While getting older plays a part, healthy habits may help lower your risk. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about doing what you can.
Healthy Habits
Small actions today can help protect your brain tomorrow. These include:
- Challenge Your Mind - Learn something new. Try puzzles, art, or reading.
- Eat Smart - Eat more veggies, fruits, and lean proteins. Cut back on junk food.
- Sleep Well - Good sleep helps your brain. Try to get 7–9 hours each night.
- Stay Active - Move your body every day. Even short walks are great.
- Stay Connected - Time with family and friends helps your brain and your mood.
- Check Your Hearing - Hearing loss can raise your risk for dementia. Get your hearing checked and use aids if needed.
- Protect Your Vision - Vision problems can affect your brain too. Get regular eye checkups.
- Healthy Habits
- Risk Factors
- Resources
Small actions today can help protect your brain tomorrow. These include:
- Challenge Your Mind - Learn something new. Try puzzles, art, or reading.
- Eat Smart - Eat more veggies, fruits, and lean proteins. Cut back on junk food.
- Sleep Well - Good sleep helps your brain. Try to get 7–9 hours each night.
- Stay Active - Move your body every day. Even short walks are great.
- Stay Connected - Time with family and friends helps your brain and your mood.
- Check Your Hearing - Hearing loss can raise your risk for dementia. Get your hearing checked and use aids if needed.
- Protect Your Vision - Vision problems can affect your brain too. Get regular eye checkups.
How Prevention Helps
Almost half of all dementia cases might be stopped or delayed by changing these 14 things:
- Hearing loss
- Vision loss
- High LDL cholesterol
- Less education
- Depression
- Traumatic brain injury
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Physical inactivity
- Smoking
- Obesity
- Excessive alcohol
- Social isolation
- Air pollution
Quick Links
Risk Factors
Almost half of all dementia cases might be stopped or delayed by changing these 14 things:
- High blood pressure
- Physical inactivity
- Smoking
- Obesity
- Excessive alcohol
- Social isolation
- Air pollution
- Hearing loss
- Vision loss
- High LDL cholesterol
- Less education
- Depression
- Traumatic brain injury
- Diabetes
Oklahoma Is Taking Action
The Oklahoma Healthy Brain Initiative helps people across the state learn how to keep their brains healthy and reduce their dementia risk while also providing resources for caregivers and those living with dementia.
