Practical, everyday choices can potentially support your memory and may help reduce the risk of dementia.
Katie Evans
Chief Programs and Mission Engagement Officer, Alzheimer’s Association
June is Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month, a time to spark conversations about brain health and encourage people to take steps that may help protect their memory and thinking as they age. While many people think about brain health later in life, or after symptoms appear, growing research shows there are everyday actions people can take right now, today, to support long-term brain health and potentially help reduce the risk of dementia.
The good news is that brain health doesn’t have to be complicated. Everyday habits like how you move, eat, sleep, and engage your mind may help make a meaningful difference over time. It’s never too late or too soon to start taking action.
To help people better understand how lifestyle choices may help influence brain health, the Alzheimer’s Association recently launched (re)think your brain, a new science-based initiative designed to move people from awareness to action. The initiative translates science into practical, sustainable habits that fit into everyday life.
The science is clear
Why does this matter now? Research continues to strengthen our understanding of the connection between lifestyle factors and brain health. Last year’s landmark U.S. POINTER study, led by the Alzheimer’s Association, found that combining healthy behaviors, including physical activity, healthier eating, cognitive engagement, and health monitoring, may help protect cognitive function and brain health.
The awareness-to-action disconnect
But there is still a major disconnect between how much people care about brain health and how confident they feel in knowing what actions to take. According to the Alzheimer’s Association 2026 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report, nearly 9 in 10 adults say maintaining brain health is important, yet only 1 in 10 say they know how to maintain it.
Closing the gap
To help close that gap, the Alzheimer’s Association introduced the (re)think your brain 6-Step Challenge, designed to help people begin building habits that may help support brain health over time. The approach is practical, flexible, and designed to meet people where they are.
The (re)think your brain 6-Step Challenge encourages people to:
- (re)think your habits: Check your current habits and build a personalized brain health action plan.
- (re)think your day: Start with one habit and build from there by incorporating everyday changes into your routine.
- (re)think your movement: Get moving. Regular physical activity supports brain health and overall well-being.
- (re)think your diet: Eat right. Track what you eat and look for practical ways to improve your nutrition.
- (re)think your mind: Challenge your brain by learning something new.
- (re)think what’s next: Continue the journey, monitor your health, and invite a friend to take steps toward better brain health with you.
Progress. Not perfection.
During Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month, the Alzheimer’s Association is encouraging people to start thinking differently about brain health and the role everyday choices may play over time. Brain health is a lifelong journey, and the actions we take today can help shape our health and well-being in the future.To learn more and begin building brain-healthy habits, visit rethinkyourbrain.org.
