• Being physically active at any stage of life is beneficial for maintaining a sharp mind, but being physically active during the teen years proved to be the most effective for preventing age-related cognitive decline in this new study.  (Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, June 2010)

• People in their 70’s who regularly engaged in moderate to vigorous physical activity during the previous 20 years were 40% less likely to get any type of dementia.  Those who were sedentary during this period of life were 45% more likely to develop dementia.  (Alzheimer’s Association news release July 2010)

• Among over 8,000 post-menopausal women, for every 1 point increase in body mass index (BMI), a measure of how much body fat one carries, thinking skills and memory declined significantly.  (Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, June 2010)

• Elderly study subjects who were deficient in vitamin D were 42% more likely to have intellectual impairment.  Those who were severely deficient (which is common!) were 394% more likely to have reduced cognitive skills. (Alzheimer’s Association news release July 2010)

If you want to boost your brain power & mood, or are concerned with Alzheimer’s or dementia, check out my Brain Health Grocery List and see my picks for what to eat (and what not to eat) to maximize brain health.