There are ways to protect your brain health in the long run.
Here’s what you should know.
As we age, forgetfulness may worsen and begin to disrupt thinking abilities.
Photo:Getty Images. EatingWell design.
Their findings, published in January 2025 inNature Medicine, may surprise you.
How Was This Study Conducted?
All were free of dementia.
Participants were followed for an average of 23 years.
During that time, there were 3,252 cases of dementia.
What Did This Study Find?
After running several statistical analyses, key findings stood out to these researchers.
For starters, these researchers note that previous studies may not have accurately recorded the number of dementia cases.
Another reason is that the U.S. population is aging.
How Does This Apply to Real Life?
Brain health is important at every age.
We know that changes in the brain begin decades before symptoms of dementia show up.
This means that prevention is a great, approachable goaland its never too early to begin.
For example, its been suggested that an anti-inflammatory diet isassociated with a lower riskof cognitive impairment.
What does an anti-inflammatory diet include?
This also includessources of omega-3s, including seafoodsalmon, tuna and shrimpand plant-based sourceswalnuts, flaxseeds and chia seeds.
And while the evidence is mixed, there is plenty to suggestalcohol increases dementia risk, too.
TheMediterranean diet, DASH diet and MIND diet are all examples of anti-inflammatory diets.
TheMIND dietis a fusion of the Mediterranean and DASH diets and is specifically designed for brain health.
If this all seems overwhelming, weve gotplenty of recipesto help you get started on your brain health journey.
Alzheimers Association.Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI).
Alzheimers Association.Can Alzheimers disease be prevented?.
Fang M, Hu J, Weiss J et al.Lifetime risk and projected burden of dementia.Nat Med.2025.
