Take charge of your brain health!

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Positive, everyday actions can make a difference in brain health, even lowering the risk of cognitive decline and possibly Alzheimer's and dementia. Incorporate some or all of these habits into your life to help maintain a healthy brain.


Challenge your mind
Be curious! Put your brain to work and do something that is new for you. Learn a new skill. Try something artistic. Challenging your mind may have short- and long-term benefits for your brain.


Get moving
Engage in regular exercise. This includes activities that raise your heart rate and increase blood flow to the brain and body. Find ways to build more movement into your day — walking, dancing, gardening — whatever works for you!


Control your blood pressure
Medications can help lower high blood pressure. And healthy habits like eating right and physical activity can help, too. Work with a health care provider to control your blood pressure.


Eat right
Eating healthier foods can help reduce your risk of cognitive decline. This includes more vegetables and leaner meats/proteins, along with foods that are less processed and lower in fat. Choose healthier meals and snacks that you enjoy and are available to you.


Sleep well
Good quality sleep is important for brain health. Stay off screens before bed and make your sleep space as comfortable as possible. Do all you can to minimize disruptions. If you have any sleep-related problems, such as sleep apnea, talk to a health care provider.


Manage diabetes
Type 2 diabetes can be prevented or controlled by eating healthier, increasing physical activity and taking medication, if necessary.


Maintain a healthy weight
Talk to your health care provider about the weight that is healthy for you. Other healthy habits on this list — eating right, exercising and sleeping well — can help with maintaining a healthy weight.


Protect your head
Help prevent an injury to your head. Wear a helmet for activities like biking, and wear a seatbelt. Protect yourself while playing sports. Do what you can to prevent falls, especially for older adults.


Be smoke-free
Quitting smoking can lower the risk of cognitive decline back to levels similar to those who have not smoked. It's never too late to stop.


Stay in school
Education reduces the risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Encourage youth to stay in school and pursue the highest level of training possible. Continue your own education by taking a class at a local library or college, or online.

It's estimated that over 1,318 Siskiyou County residents are living with Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia. Alzheimer's is the third leading cause of death in California and a leading cause of death in Siskiyou County. By 2040 that number will grow to over 1,983 in Siskiyou County. For more information about Alzheimer's disease in California, click below:

Get Help Day or Night: No question is too big or too small. Call our 24/7 Helpline (800.272.3900) for free, around-the-clock help and the latest information. If you are a caregiver you can also ask for help, including respite services, available in your area.




A message from the Alzheimer’s Association and the Siskiyou County Public Health Department. Sponsored by the California Department of Public Health.