Brain health habits
Your mind deserves a New Year’s resolution, too
When we talk about New Year’s resolutions, we often focus on our waistlines, budgets, or calendars. But what about our brains? Protecting your memory and thinking skills deserves a spot on your list for 2026.
At the University of Kentucky’s Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, researchers are finding that what’s good for your heart and body is also good for your brain. While there’s no single way to prevent Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, decades of research point to several powerful habits that can help keep your brain healthy as you age.
Move more. Regular physical activity increases blood flow to the brain and supports the growth of new connections between brain cells. Even a daily walk can make a difference.
Sleep well. Quality sleep gives your brain time to clear toxins and consolidate memories. Aim for seven to nine hours of consistent rest each night.
Stay social. Spending time with friends, family, or community groups helps protect against isolation, which is linked to cognitive decline. Join a class, volunteer, or simply reach out to an old friend.
Challenge yourself. Reading, learning a new skill, or playing strategy games keeps your mind active and adaptable.
Manage your health. High blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol all increase dementia risk—so staying on top of your medical care matters more than ever.
Healthy brain aging isn’t about perfection—it’s about consistency. This year, make one small change that supports your mind. Your future self will thank you for it.
Elizabeth Rhodus, Ph.D., is assistant professor in the UK College of Medicine’s Department of Behavioral Sciences and faculty with the Sanders-Brown Center on Aging.
