Cut brain disease risk by 88%

Scientists are just as determined as we are to prevent Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia—and they’ve conducted hundreds of studies in the past few years looking for the best possible ways to do it. The great news? They’ve uncovered surprisingly easy ways to stay clearheaded, focused and sharp for years to come!

Build a snowman

You’re three times more likely to stay active if you enjoy moving around—whether that means dancing in the living room or building silly snowmen. Stay fit by getting 42 minutes of any exercise daily, and your risk of memory-robbing ills like Alzheimer’s disease will drop by as much as 88%, report researchers in the journal Neurology. Turns out, moving your muscles prompts the release of a compound (BDNF) that repairs worn brain cells.

Solve that crossword

Read a book, play Scrabble… spending three hours weekly relaxing your body while busying your mind could cut dementia risk by 48%, plus help your brain function as if it’s nine years younger right now! Explains David Perlmutter, M.D., coauthor of Brain Wash, fun mental stimulation energizes your brain’s memory center.

Sneak in spinach

Toss a handful of spinach into soups, stews and pasta. The World Health Organization says a cup of leafy greens daily could cut your Alzheimer’s disease risk by 45%, plus help your brain function as if it’s six years younger. Thanks goes to lutein and vitamin K, which keep blood vessels healthy so oxygenrich blood reaches your brain.

Pair wine with food

Sipping 4 oz. to 8 oz. of wine daily can cut your risk of dementia by up to 75%, suggests a study in Biological Research. That’s because wine compounds (polyphenols) help reduce brainaging inflammation and work best when absorbed slowly as part of a meal.