Supporting Brain Health — From Staying Sharp. Staying Sharp Take the Cognitive Assessment See how your memory and attention are working today. Staying Sharp Diet and Exercise How to eat and move like your brain depends on it. Staying Sharp Sleep, Stress and More Sleep well, manage stress, spend time with friends, learn new things.

Explainers on Brain Diseases and Injuries. Stroke Stroke is an emergency that requires fast action. Know the signs. Anxiety and Depression Finding the right treatment can take effort, but it's worth it.

Traumatic Brain Injury Head injuries in older adults require special attention. Parkinson's Disease This movement disorder can show early signs that are often ignored.

Migraine A unique kind of brain pain that can change with age. More Tips, Tools and Explainers on Brain Health. Global Council on Brain Health The research behind the six pillars of brain health.

Brain Health Action A movement to change the narrative about aging and drive behavior change. For Caregivers Tools and resources on everything from home safety to financial advice.

Brain Health Glossary Definitions of terms related to brain health. Latest News on Brain Health. Multivitamins May Improve Cognition Health experts recommend improving your diet before popping a pill. Exercise also lowers blood pressure, improves cholesterol levels, helps blood sugar balance and reduces mental stress, all of which can help your brain as well as your heart.

Good nutrition can help your mind as well as your body. For example, people that eat a Mediterranean style diet that emphasizes fruits, vegetables, fish, nuts, unsaturated oils olive oil and plant sources of proteins are less likely to develop cognitive impairment and dementia.

High blood pressure in midlife increases the risk of cognitive decline in old age. Use lifestyle modification to keep your pressure as low as possible. Stay lean, exercise regularly, limit your alcohol to two drinks a day, reduce stress, and eat right.

Diabetes is an important risk factor for dementia. You can help prevent diabetes by eating right, exercising regularly, and staying lean. But if your blood sugar stays high, you'll need medication to achieve good control.

High levels of LDL "bad" cholesterol are associated with an increased the risk of dementia. Diet, exercise, weight control, and avoiding tobacco will go a long way toward improving your cholesterol levels.

But if you need more help, ask your doctor about medication. Some observational studies suggest that low-dose aspirin may reduce the risk of dementia, especially vascular dementia.

Ask your doctor if you are a candidate. Excessive drinking is a major risk factor for dementia. If you choose to drink, limit yourself to two drinks a day.

People who are anxious, depressed, sleep-deprived, or exhausted tend to score poorly on cognitive function tests. Poor scores don't necessarily predict an increased risk of cognitive decline in old age, but good mental health and restful sleep are certainly important goals.

Moderate to severe head injuries, even without diagnosed concussions, increase the risk of cognitive impairment. Strong social ties have been associated with a lower risk of dementia, as well as lower blood pressure and longer life expectancy.

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