Like other organs in the human body, it is normal for our brains to change as we age. Wisdom and expertise can increase with age, while the speed of processing information, making decisions, and recalling information can slow down.
Yet, worsening or more frequent confusion or memory loss (known as subjective cognitive decline) is not a normal part of aging and can be one of the earliest noticeable symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer's is NOT a normal part of aging.
Learn more on how you can make positive choices to protect your brain health.
The evidence is clear – up to 40% of dementia cases can be prevented by managing certain risk factors. Taking care of your brain and body gives you the best chance to remain alert and be there for your friends and family for years to come.
Healthy eating habits make a big difference for brain health. Find out the right foods for healthy aging, learn how to find them on a budget, and try some sample menus.
Moving helps keep the brain healthy. It doesn't have to be intense hard or time consuming. Learn how to make an exercise plan that is right for you.
Sleep helps reduce the buildup of proteins associated with Alzheimer’s disease. It also helps you feel better and keeps your immune system healthy. Learn more about the link between Alzheimer’s and sleep, and how you can get your brain the rest it needs.
Staying social helps keep your brain healthy. Research shows that talking to people and spending time with friends and family can improve cognitive health and slow rates of memory problems. Learn how you can help your loved one to get these benefits.
Brain health is part of your overall health. It’s important to take care of other conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes and depression. This can help to prevent memory loss and cognitive decline.
Healthy eating habits make a big difference for brain health. Find out the right foods for healthy aging, learn how to find them on a budget, and try some sample menus.
Moving helps keep the brain healthy. It doesn't have to be intense hard or time consuming. Learn how to make an exercise plan that is right for you.
Sleep helps reduce the buildup of proteins associated with Alzheimer’s disease. It also helps you feel better and keeps your immune system healthy. Learn more about the link between Alzheimer’s and sleep, and how you can get your brain the rest it needs.
Staying social helps keep your brain healthy. Research shows that talking to people and spending time with friends and family can improve cognitive health and slow rates of memory problems. Learn how you can help your loved one to get these benefits.
Brain health is part of your overall health. It’s important to take care of other conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes and depression. This can help to prevent memory loss and cognitive decline.
Content on this page was developed with support from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award (1NU58DP006781) totaling $1,500,000 with 100 percent funded by CDC/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement by, CDC/HHS, or the U.S. Government.