Midlife habits that shape brain health for decades
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The choices we make in midlife can have a powerful impact on how our brains age. Regular physical activity, quality sleep, balanced nutrition, stress management, social connection, and control of blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol all help protect memory and cognitive function over time. On the other hand, smoking, heavy alcohol use, chronic stress, poor sleep, and inactivity can quietly increase the risk of cognitive decline later in life. Midlife is a critical period and the habits built today may determine the strength, resilience, and longevity of brain health tomorrow.
Source
Cao B, Qi Q, Hutchinson S, et al. The relative contribution of modifiable and non-modifiable factors for determining cognition in mid-life individuals at risk for late-life Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's Dement. 2026;18:e70303. https://doi.org/10.1002/dad2.70303
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