6 worst things you can do for your brain

The numbers are alarming. More than 6.7 million people in the United States are living with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) or another form of dementia, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). By 2060, that total is expected to grow to about 14 million people.

There’s no surefire way to prevent dementia, nor can you alter your family history or stop growing older—two of the condition’s biggest risk factors. What you can do is change your lifestyle. Research suggests that your odds of dementia may be significantly influenced by certain habits, such as staying socially connected and taking care of your physical health, which includes avoiding tobacco and managing your cholesterol and blood pressure.

“There’s a lot you can do in terms of lifestyle modifications to improve brain health and decrease dementia risk,” says Elizabeth Morrison-Banks, MD, a neurologist in Riverside, California. Changing long-term patterns can be tough, though, and she acknowledges that patients need to “stay strong and positive” in their approach.

With that in mind, here are the habits linked to higher dementia risk, plus tips on adopting better behaviors for brain health.