How to protect your brain in midlife - 4 steps

I appreciate this breakdown of the research by Dr. Haver in her Substack on how to protect your brain in midlife. None of it is shocking, and we’ve probably all been given this advice in various ways, at various times, but it is nice to see it outlined so clearly. So what are the 4 steps/things you should be doing to protect your brain?

1) MOVE! She especially recommends strength training (Yay!) but any movement is a step in the right direction (pun intended.)

2) Eat leafy greens and berries almost every day and add nuts, beans, whole grains, olive oil and fish as often as you can. Simple and delicious!

3) Protect your blood vessels! Good cardiovascular health in midlife (your 40s and 50s) is linked to a 39% lower dementia risk later in life. This means seeing your doctor to monitor your blood pressure and cholesterol numbers and taking appropriate steps to move things in the right direction if needed.

4) Stay mentally alive and engaged! Maintain your curiosity - learn, problem solve and engage in life. Exercise your brain like you do your muscles. Social connections are also critical - don’t cancel plans and invest in your friendships and family connections.