As we age, our brain changes and so does our mental function. Although mental decline is common, it is not inevitable. With a few lifestyle changes, you can help maintain brain function and prevent cognitive impairment. Here are nine ways to keep your brain young:

Get mental stimulation:

Any mentally stimulating activity or cognitive stimulation helps build up your brain. Try word puzzles, and math problems, take courses and experiment with manual dexterity tasks such as drawing, painting, and other crafts for mental fitness.

Get physical exercise:

Exercise increases the number of tiny blood vessels that bring oxygen-rich blood to the brain, spurs the development of new nerve cells, and increases connections between brain cells.

Improve your diet:

A Mediterranean-style healthy diet that emphasizes fruits, vegetables, fish, nuts, unsaturated oils, antioxidants and plant sources of proteins can help prevent cognitive impairment and dementia.

Improve your blood pressure:

High blood pressure in midlife increases the risk of cognitive decline in old age. Use lifestyle modifications to keep your blood pressure as low as possible.

Improve your blood sugar:

Diabetes is an important risk factor for dementia. Prevent diabetes by eating right, exercising regularly, and staying lean.

Improve your cholesterol:

High levels of LDL cholesterol are associated with an increased risk of dementia. Diet, exercise, weight control, and avoiding tobacco can help improve your cholesterol levels.

Consider low-dose aspirin:

Some observational studies suggest that low-dose aspirin may reduce the risk of dementia, especially vascular dementia.

Avoid tobacco:

Avoid tobacco in all its forms.

Don’t abuse alcohol:

Excessive drinking is a major risk factor for dementia. If you choose to drink, limit yourself to two drinks a day.

By incorporating these lifestyle changes, you can help maintain your brain function and prevent cognitive impairment. Remember to stay mentally active, exercise regularly, eat a healthy diet, and avoid tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption.