How can I prevent brain atrophy?

How can I prevent brain atrophy?

Some degree of brain volume change is expected with normal aging. But adopting healthy habits may reduce some risk factors that lead to brain shrinkage and help you improve your day-to-day life:

• Eat a nutrient-rich, low-cholesterol diet, such as the Mediterranean diet.
• Aim for daily aerobic exercise.
• Get enough sleep.
• Find healthy ways to manage stress, which has been linked to high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke.
• Take medication to lower high blood pressure, high cholesterol and control diabetes.
• Quit smoking by joining a support group or trying one-on-one counseling.
• Reduce alcohol use.
• Talk to your healthcare provider about managing risk factors if you’re at high risk.