Kristine Yaffe, MD, a psychiatrist and neurologist, has led research on the connection between cognitive decline, dementia, and modifiable risk factors. These include smoking, excessive alcohol use, poor sleep, physical inactivity, limited social and cognitive engagement, cardiovascular disease, head injury, hearing and vision loss, depression, and air pollution.

Research increasingly suggests that addressing these factors, alongside emerging treatments targeting Alzheimer’s-related processes such as amyloid, tau, and neuroinflammation, could support a more comprehensive approach to dementia prevention and management.

Cardiovascular health is particularly important. Conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, smoking, and physical inactivity can affect blood flow to the brain and contribute to cognitive decline. The SMARRT trial found that lifestyle and cardiovascular risk reduction among older adults was associated with improved cognitive test performance over two years.

Sleep is another important factor. Poor or fragmented sleep has been associated with increased levels of amyloid and tau, as well as faster brain changes. Adequate sleep supports the brain’s natural maintenance and waste-clearance processes.

Regular physical activity can benefit brain health by improving blood flow, reducing inflammation, supporting the growth of neurons, and maintaining the brain regions involved in learning and memory.

Diet may also contribute to healthy cognitive aging. A Mediterranean-style diet rich in vegetables, fruits, nuts, whole grains, olive oil, and fish has been associated with lower dementia risk, although further research is needed.

Dietary supplements should generally be considered when nutritional deficiencies are present. Some studies have suggested that multivitamins may support cognitive aging, but longer-term research is needed before firm recommendations can be made.

Source: https://psychiatry.ucsf.edu/article/news/im-neurologist-heres-how-protect-your-aging-brain