July 22 is World Brain Day, a day that highlights the importance of overall brain health, and the Alzheimer's Association is using the occasion to encourage people to (re)think their approach to brain care. While researchers continue to learn more about Alzheimer's disease and other dementias, one thing is becoming clear: healthy lifestyle choices can help support brain health over time.
That's the idea behind the Alzheimer's Association's new (re)think your brain initiative, which translates the latest brain health research into practical, everyday habits people can start today. For too long, Alzheimer's disease and other dementias have been viewed as conditions to address only after symptoms appear. New science-based research is changing that understanding, showing how lifestyle choices play an important role in helping to support brain health over time.
Everyday habits, including how you move, what you eat, how you sleep, how you engage your mind and more, may help protect memory and thinking and potentially reduce the risk of dementia. While there is growing overall interest in brain health, many people still don't know how to begin caring for their brain. The Alzheimer's Association 2026 Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures report shows that nearly 9 in 10 people say brain health is important, but only 1 in 10 say they know how to maintain it.
The Alzheimer's Association developed (re)think your brain to help close that gap, making brain health science easier to understand and turn into meaningful action. Through its “6-Step Challenge,” the initiative 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, as regular physical activity supports brain health and overall well-being; (re)think your diet: eat right, track what you eat and look for ways to improve your nutrition; (re)think your mind: challenge your brain by learning something new; and (re)think what's next: monitor your health and invite a friend to take steps toward better brain health with you.
"The Alzheimer's Association is committed to translating the latest science into practical guidance people can understand and use right away to proactively care for their brain health," said Joanne Pike, DrPH, president and CEO of the Alzheimer's Association. “Through (re)think your brain, we're helping people take meaningful steps today to help support brain health for years to come."
This World Brain Day, take the opportunity to (re)think what brain health can really mean for you. To begin building your own brain-healthy habits, visit www.rethinkyourbrain.org.
