Forming ten key habits in everyday life can reduce the risk of cognitive decline in people of all ages. Combining all of these habits can achieve maximum benefit for both your brain and body. You’re never too old to incorporate them – so start today!

The Alzheimer’s Association has come up with suggestions that could be the difference between a weak, aging brain and a strong one. Read further for tips and tricks from healthcare professionals.

• Get that heart rate up.

Engaging in cardiovascular exercise that elevates your heart rate and increases blood flow is a great place to start when building up your brain health. Studies have suggested that the parts of the brain that control thinking and memory have greater volume in people who exercise versus people who don’t.

The positive association between physical activity and the state of one’s mental health can be as easy as going on a morning walk, afternoon bike ride or late-night cardio session in a home gym. Even 30 minutes of physical activity can prompt the brain to think differently and more positively rather than nothing at all.

• Open the page of a new book.

Frequent reading is a helpful way to ward off mental decline and conditions such as dementia and Alzheimer’s. Reading puts our brains into a state similar to meditation and brings the same health benefits of deep relaxation and inner calm.

Developing a routine of reading early in the morning or right before bed is a simple step to improve brain function, even if it’s just a few pages at a time.

Stay tuned this whole week for more information on ways to love your brain! Find updates on www.uicsl.org.