If you’re already watching what you eat or staying active, you’re on the right track. In this article, we’ll explore the connection between weight and risk for dementia and the steps you can take to support your brain health by maintaining a healthy weight.

Studies show that unmanaged type 2 diabetes significantly increases the risk of developing dementia. The longer you live with uncontrolled diabetes, the greater the threat to your memory and thinking.

What you eat doesn’t just fuel your body – it also feeds your brain. From memory and mood to long-term risk of dementia and other health conditions, diet plays a powerful role in how sharp and resilient your mind will be as you age. If you’re already loading up on fruits and vegetables, cutting back on processed foods, or enjoying fish a couple times a week – great work! Those choices are protecting your brain today and for years to come.

Ever had a sinking feeling in your stomach when you heard bad news—or butterflies when you were excited? Those “gut feelings” are more than figures of speech. They’re signs of a real, two-way communication system between your brain and your gut. Scientists call it the gut-brain axis, and it plays a major role in both your mood and your memory.

Keeping an eye on your drinking habits isn’t as obvious a strategy for protecting your brain health as doing crosswords or learning new skills. You might even be surprised that excessive alcohol use is a risk factor for dementia. In this article, we’ll explore how excessive alcohol consumption affects dementia risk and discuss practical, guilt-free ways to drink more mindfully and keep your brain healthier for the long run.