Keep your mind active for Better Brain Health!

Research shows that you can reduce your risk of Alzheimer’s and other dementias through a combination of simple but effective lifestyle changes. By leading a brain-healthy lifestyle, you may be able to prevent the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease and slow down or even reverse, the process of deterioration.

Physical Activity:  Participate in regular cardiovascular exercise! Studies have found a link between physical activity and reduced risk of cognitive decline. Go for daily walks, dance, garden, go swimming, join a sports club and more!

Mental Stimulation: Always continue learning! Challenge yourself. Take a class at a local college, community center or online, learn a second language, play board games, read and write daily, play an instrument, do puzzles and more. At least one hour a day.

Nutrition: Eat a healthy diet that includes foods lower in fat and higher in vegetables and fruit. Increase your intake of certain foods while decreasing your intake of processed foods. Eat a meal once a day with others!

Socialization: Engage in social activities in your community! Find social activities that you love and be a part of your local community. Consider volunteering with Act Now or join a choir or even help out at an afterschool program.

Spirituality: Pray or meditate daily, learn relaxation methods that help you to cope with stress and ease your mind. Seek medical treatment if you have symptoms of depression, anxiety or other mental health issues.

Meet the mind diet: It slashes Alzheimer’s risk by 35%.

At least 3 servings of whole grain a day.

A salad and one other vegetable each day.

Drink green tea daily!

At least one ounce of nuts a day.

Beans or legumes at least every other day.

Poultry and berries at least twice a week.

Fish at least once a week.

Limit unhealthy foods, cheese or fried foods no more than once a week (only one tablespoon of butter a day, choose olive oil).

Sweets less than 5 times a week.

Act Now Foundation: Alzheimer’s Resource Center of NJ

Disclaimer: this pamphlet was distributed by the Act Now Foundation. An active, healthy lifestyle is the key to a long life. For more information on their programs, please email them at the above address.