resources & news
resources to help maintain brain health
What is the MIND diet?
The MIND diet (short for Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay) is an eating pattern specifically designed to support brain health and reduce the risk of cognitive decline and dementia. It combines elements of the Mediterranean and DASH diets, focusing on the foods and nutrients most strongly linked to brain health research. Unlike trendy or restrictive […]
Cognitive Health and Nutrition: 5 Common Myths and What to Do Instead
By Heidi Wulzen, MPH, RDN, LD Every week, new headlines promise a food that will “boost your brain”. Or, they warn that something in your kitchen is harming it. From “brain-boosting” supplements to eating vegetables in a specific order, nutrition advice about cognitive health is everywhere. Some of it is helpful. Much of it is […]
Eat the rainbow for brain health
Good nutrition is one of the most powerful tools we have for protecting our brain health. This downloadable resource, developed in partnership with Heritage Health Nutrition & Public Health, the Hawai’i Dementia Initiative, and DA BUX, offers practical, locally relevant guidance for adding more colorful fruits and vegetables to your daily meals. Research shows that […]
Should you track your nutrition?
Want to keep your brain sharp? It starts with what’s on your plate. Your brain runs best when you feed it the right fuel. Both the big stuff (carbs, proteins, fats) and the little stuff (vitamins and minerals) are important for a healthy brain. Think of macronutrients as the main course and micronutrients as the […]
The 15-minute test that could change your brain’s future
Let’s be honest: nobody wants to think about cognitive decline. It’s scary. But here’s what’s scarier—waiting until you’ve lost memory and cognition that you could have protected. Right now, you have power over your cognitive future. Not complete control—none of us do—but significant influence. A cognitive screening is how you claim that power. It’s a […]
Tech for brain health: at-home cognitive screens
Your brain is one of your most valuable assets. Just like monitoring your blood pressure or blood sugar levels, tracking your cognitive function is essential for long-term health. Think of a computerized cognitive assessment as one tool in your brain health toolkit – just like one ingredient in your bento box. Here’s what the science […]
New Approaches in Brain Health
dual-task training for the win! Exercise and cognitive stimulation are both wonderful for the brain. And combining the two creates a synergistic effect that results in even greater benefits. Learn how exercise combined with cognitive stimulation (aka dual-task training) can help improve brain health, and see how care facilities are implementing this into their residents’ […]
Six Pillars of Brain Health: Best Lifestyle Practices for Caregivers, Aging Adults, and Providers
How do lifestyle interventions help protect brain health? Research shows that our daily habits and choices have a powerful impact on brain health and cognitive function. The Lancet Commission published a study in 2024 that quantified how much modifiable lifestyle factors can reduce your risk for Alzheimer’s and related dementias. Their research shows that a […]
Brain Boosting Recipe: Salmon, Kabocha, and Quinoa Salad with Avocado Lime Dressing
For the Squash: 1 medium kabocha squash (3 lbs) (can substitute butternut or acorn squash)1 ½ TBSP olive oil 2 tsp salt 1 tsp pepper 1 tsp garlic 1 tsp paprika 1 tsp cumin Preheat Oven to 375 degrees. Place whole squash in the oven for 15-20 min. (This will soften the skin and make […]
Healthy pumpkin snacks to make anytime
When I’m in the mood for something healthy and pumpkin-y (aka anytime), these are a some of my go-to snacks.
Exercise as a Key Defense: Reducing the Risk of Alzheimer’s
Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease are two of the most common causes of cognitive decline in older adults. Dementia affects approximately 47 million individuals globally with projections of 130 million by the year 2050. Late-onset Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, accounting for approximately 75% of all cases and is characterized by a […]
10 Ways to Improve Your Brain Health Right Now
Serious mental decline is not an inevitable part of aging. You can improve your short and long-term brain health and significantly lower the risk of dementia–even if it runs in your family. The saying that ‘genetics loads the gun, but lifestyle pulls the trigger’ is certainly true for brain health. Fortunately, there are numerous strategies […]
The Aging Brain: Signs of Normal Cognitive Aging vs. Concerning Decline
Our brains are just like any other organ and experience some decline in performance as over time. Even in the best case scenario, we all experience a degree of cognitive decline as we age. The goal is to avoid an accelerated decline that leads to dementia or Alzheimer’s Disease in our later years. Healthy lifestyles […]