Six Steps to Better Brain Health

(NewsUSA) - Better brain health doesn't have to be complicated, and you can start now. Achievable, practical steps can make a real difference at any age. It’s never too late, or too soon, to shape your brain health. Research from the Alzheimer's Association shows that everyday habits, including how you move, what you eat, and how you engage your mind, can help you live better now, protect your memory over time, and potentially help reduce your risk of dementia.

For too long, Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias have been viewed as conditions to address only after symptoms appear. New research is changing that understanding. Findings from the July 2025 U.S. POINTER study demonstrate that lifestyle factors can play a meaningful role in supporting brain health and may help reduce the risk of dementia.

Still, there is a significant gap between awareness and action. While nearly 9 out of 10 people say brain health is important, only 1 in 10 say they know what to do to maintain it, according to the Alzheimer’s Association 2026 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report.

To help close that gap, the Alzheimer’s Association is launching the (re)think your brain initiative, featuring a new “6-Step Challenge” designed to help people begin building everyday habits that support brain health. The (re)think your brain approach provides science-backed guidance people can use right away, translating complex research into practical, everyday actions that fit into daily life. It is designed to engage people earlier when there is greater opportunity to influence long-term brain health and possibly reduce dementia risk over time.

A simple guide to get you started:

1. (re)think your habits: Check your current habits and build a personalized brain health action plan.

2. (re)think your day: Start with one habit and build from there by incorporating everyday changes into your routine.

3. (re)think your movement: Get moving. Regular physical activity supports brain health and overall well-being.

4. (re)think your diet: Eat right. Track what you eat and look for practical ways to improve your nutrition.

5. (re)think your mind: Challenge your brain by learning something new.

6. (re)think what’s next: Continue the journey, monitor your health, and invite a friend to take steps toward better brain health with you.

"People are looking for clear, credible guidance they can trust," said Joanne Pike, DrPH, president and CEO of the Alzheimer's Association. "As a global leader in Alzheimer's and brain health, we have a responsibility to translate the latest science into guidance people can act on, and (re)think your brain is how we're helping people take control of their brain health." 

Find out more and get started today at https://www.rethinkyourbrain.org.