Are There Things I Can Do To Improve My Memory, And Thus Decrease My Risk For Alzheimer's?

May 4, 2009 -- Question: Are there things I can do to improve my memory, and thus decrease my risk for Alzheimer's?

Answer: We know that there are lifestyle choices people can make that will improve their brain health and possibly stave off Alzheimer's disease or reduce an individual's risk. The most important thing I think people ought to do is exercise every day. A 10-minute brisk walk each day has been shown to be associated with a lower risk for Alzheimer's disease.

It's also important to get a healthy diet; the Mediterranean diet, which is good for the heart, can also be good for the brain. So it doesn't take a lot of time, but everyday, if you're living a healthy life, you know your brain, at least, is protected in part.