What does it take to protect brain health? 10 habits to start now

AgingWhat does it take to protect brain health? 10 habits to start nowMost U.S. adults think brain health is at least as important as physical health, according to a new survey from the Alzheimer’s Association. Listen to this article with a free account00:0000:00Add NBC News to GoogleHow to Maximize Sleep and Feel Refreshed When You Wake Up04:50Get more newsLiveonShareAdd NBC News to GoogleApril 21, 2026, 5:36 PM EDTBy Lindsey LeakeBrain health is of paramount importance to nearly all Americans, yet few are aware of the latest science on how to nurture it.Subscribe to read this story ad-free Get unlimited access to ad-free articles and exclusive content.The Alzheimer’s Association released its annual report Tuesday, which included a survey of more than 3,800 adults 40 and older, 99% of whom indicated brain health is at least as important as physical health.About 88% of the respondents said maintaining brain health is “very important,” but only 9% said they knew “a lot” about how to do it.Christopher Weber, a clinical psychologist and the Alzheimer’s Association’s senior director of global scientific initiatives, said people generally understand how lifestyle habits, like getting enough sleep, being physically active, eating a balanced diet and staying socially and mentally engaged, can protect the brain. “But the data also show how challenging these habits can be to maintain,” he said.The Alzheimer’s Association partnered with the University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging to conduct the survey. Among the findings:50% got at least seven hours of sleep most nights39% consistently followed a healthy diet 34% were physically active most days42% reported adequate mental stimulation.“What the science is telling us, more and more with the evidence that we’re seeing, is that it’s the combination of healthy behaviors — sleep, activity, nutrition and mental engagement — working together that is the most supportive of brain health over time,” Weber said.10 ways to...