The Window of Opportunity to Prevent Alzheimer's Starts 20-30 Years Before Memory Loss
Act early and often
Biological brain changes are now known to precede symptoms, building over decades
Nearly half of dementias may be delayed or prevented by managing the most common modifiable risk factors (things within your control)
The landmark 2015 FINGER study and the 2024 Lancet Commission on Dementia Prevention, Intervention, and Care confirm that multi-domain lifestyle choices can lower risk
“It is never too early or too late to reduce dementia risk.”
–The Lancet, 2024
Act early and often
Biological brain changes are now known to precede symptoms, building over decades
Nearly half of dementias may be delayed or prevented by managing the most common modifiable risk factors (things within your control)
The landmark 2015 FINGER study and the 2024 Lancet Commission on Dementia Prevention, Intervention, and Care confirm that multi-domain lifestyle choices can lower risk
“It is never too early or too late to reduce dementia risk.”
–The Lancet, 2024
Lifestyle affects risk
Nutrition
Most brain-supportive is a plant-forward diet rich in antioxidants, fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids, and low in added sugars and processed foods
Exercise
Regular physical activity promotes blood flow to the brain, clears toxins, improves mitochondrial function and brain cell growth, and impacts many metabolic risk factors
Cognitive Activity
Engaging in mentally stimulating activities like puzzles, reading, music, and learning builds cognitive reserve, potentially delaying the onset of Alzheimer's symptoms
Social Activity
An active social life reduces risk by providing cognitive stimulation, emotional support, and reduced stress
Metabolic Health
High blood pressure, high cholesterol, high blood sugar, and excess weight are all linked to inflammation and metabolic dysfunction
Smoking
Tobacco contributes to inflammation, oxidative stress, and reduced brain blood flow; even longtime or heavy smokers see risk reduction by quitting
Alcohol
Less is better due to alcohol’s effects on brain tissue, brain volume, and metabolic health
Sleep
Insufficient or poor sleep, especially a lack of deep sleep, interferes with toxin removal in the brain and undermines metabolic health
Stress
Chronic stress may increase Alzheimer's risk through the release of stress hormones and inflammation, emphasizing the importance of stress management
Depression
Chronic depression and anxiety are associated with elevated Alzheimer's risk, likely due to inflammation, impaired neurotransmitter function, and/or impaired cognitive function
Hearing
Worsening hearing loss that goes untreated correlates to increasing dementia risk
Vision
Uncorrected visual impairment, such as from cataracts, adds cognitive load to the brain, raising dementia risk
Text messaging supports behavior change
Text message communication is a proven tool in promoting health behavior change.
Research shows that text messaging is effective in promoting physical activity, smoking cessation, weight loss, cardiovascular disease prevention, and more. Texts enhance motivation, adherence, and satisfaction.
RetainYourBrain™ uses SMS text messaging to establish a personalized connection with the user.
Text messaging supports behavior change
Text message communication is a proven tool in promoting health behavior change.
Research shows that text messaging is effective in promoting physical activity, smoking cessation, weight loss, cardiovascular disease prevention, and more. Texts enhance motivation, adherence, and satisfaction.
RetainYourBrain™ uses SMS text messaging to establish a personalized connection with the user.
