Brain Health
Brain Health and Dementia Risk Reduction
No plan prevents dementia with certainty. A meaningful portion of dementia risk across a population, however, is linked to factors that can be changed — and the same measures improve heart health, sleep, mood and function regardless of their effect on memory.
Factors with the most consistent evidence
- Blood pressure control, especially in midlife
- Treating hearing loss
- Regular physical activity
- Not smoking
- Limiting alcohol
- Treating obstructive sleep apnea and protecting sleep quality
- Managing diabetes, cholesterol and obesity
- Staying socially and cognitively engaged
- Treating depression
- Protecting the head from injury
Diet and cognitive aging
Mediterranean and MIND dietary patterns — vegetables and leafy greens, berries, beans, nuts, whole grains, fish, olive oil, less processed and fried food, less added sugar — are the eating patterns most consistently associated with better cognitive aging.
The pattern matters more than any single food, and no supplement has been shown to prevent dementia in people with a normal diet.
What this does not mean
Risk reduction is not a guarantee. People who do everything recommended still develop dementia, and people who do none of it sometimes do not. Genetics, age and factors not yet understood all contribute.
It also does not mean that memory symptoms should be managed with lifestyle change alone. New or progressive memory change deserves evaluation, because treatable causes are common.
A practical starting plan
- Know and treat your blood pressure numbers
- Aim for 150 minutes of moderate activity per week plus strength work
- Get a hearing test if you or your family suspect hearing loss
- Get evaluated for sleep apnea if you snore or wake unrefreshed
- Shift toward a Mediterranean- or MIND-style eating pattern
- Keep social plans on the calendar deliberately
Frequently asked questions
- Do brain games prevent dementia?
- Practice improves performance on the trained task, but there is no strong evidence that commercial brain-training programs prevent dementia. Broad cognitive and social engagement is a more reasonable goal.
- Are supplements helpful?
- For people without a deficiency, supplements have not been shown to prevent dementia. Correcting a documented deficiency, such as vitamin B12, is different and does matter.
Request a Neurology Appointment
Text 815-276-7050 with your first name and the word "appointment," or call 815-337-7100 to schedule. Our office will follow up to confirm your evaluation.
In-person visits and televisits (telehealth) are both available.
What happens after you text
Text 815-276-7050 with your first name and the word "appointment." Our office calls you back to schedule — you do not need to fill out a form.
When you'll hear back
Texts and calls received during office hours are typically returned the same business day. You can also call 815-337-7100 directly.
Insurance and referrals
Insurance participation and referral requirements vary by plan. Our office will confirm what your plan requires before your visit.
Please do not send urgent or emergency medical information by text. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or seek emergency medical attention. Please avoid sending sensitive medical information by ordinary SMS unless instructed otherwise.