Preserving Brain Health

New research has identified important strategies that can be used to help maintain brain health. Ongoing brain health conversations allow for discussion about strategies that can be used to help delay cognitive decline. Health care teams can use brain health–related discussions to encourage patients to adopt lifestyle changes that can potentially improve their brain health throughout the lifespan.

Based on available evidence for the impact of behavior on dementia, the UsAgainstAlzheimer’s Risk Reduction Workgroup has published 11 consensus-based primary prevention recommendations to reduce the risk of cognitive decline that can be implemented in clinical practice (Sabbagh, 2022). These recommendations focus on several domains, including:

  • Neurovascular risk management.
  • Physical activity.
  • Sleep.
  • Nutrition.
    • Social activity.
  • Cognitive stimulation, especially if enjoyable.

Conversations

Conversations about these recommendations can help provide individuals with practical strategies that they can use to preserve brain health. When discussing risk factors with patients, it may be helpful to describe how lifestyle changes may make the brain more vulnerable or more resilient over time; however, it is important to avoid giving the impression that getting dementia is their own “fault” (Science Media Centre, 2020). 

Actions

While the KAER Toolkit focuses on strategies that primary care providers can use with older adults, it is important that individuals across the lifespan implement everyday actions to improve brain health and lower the risk of cognitive decline and possibly Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. For example, individuals of all ages can incorporate the 10 Healthy Habits for Your Brain recommended by the Alzheimer’s Association. Additionally, the Global Council on Brain Health’s report, How to Sustain Brain Healthy Behaviors: Applying Lessons of Public Health and Science to Drive Change addresses actions that individuals, communities, and policymakers can take to promote healthy brain behaviors. The Council also makes available several resources that accompany the report in their resource library. 

More information about these recommendations (along with possible codes for billing medical services) is available from UsAgainstAlzheimer’s. Additionally, a 2024 GSA publication, Insights & Implications in Gerontology: The Vital Role of Nutrition in Brain Health , explores current evidence on the relationships between nutrition and brain health. 


Kickstart | Approaches to Implement

Overview | Discuss Brain Health | Engage in Conversations About Protective Actions | Address Diverse Life Experiences | Discuss Memory and Cognition | Observe for Signs and Symptoms of Cognitive Impairment | Listen for Patient and Family Concerns About Cognition | Address Any Sensory Loss and Use Effective Communication Strategies | Use Health Questionnaires | Use Electronic Health Records | Primary Prevention Recommendations for Reducing Risk of Cognitive Decline | Warning Signs That Might Indicate Dementia | Resources for Patients About Brain Health | Kickstart References