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Updated: Apr. 29, 2026

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We all want to stay healthy and independent as we get older. Some health choices that you make now can help reduce your risk of cognitive decline. Cognitive decline refers to the gradual loss of mental abilities, such as thinking, learning, and remembering.

Brain holding up yellow sign that reads 'Take Brain Health to Heart'

To see different ways to reduce your risk of cognitive decline, click on the topics below:

Heart and Brain Connection Mind Meal Move Your Body More Nix Nicotine Other Ways to Protect Your Brain Resources

The Heart and Brain Connection

Healthy blood flow protects your brain and lowers your risk of developing diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. Follow these routine health screening tips:
Man sitting on couch is checking his blood pressure himeself using a cuff

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Mind Meal

Eating nutritious food helps reduce inflammation and allows the heart to pump blood more easily to the brain. Try these tips to make some small changes to your diet:
Woman sitting in chair at kitchen table chopping a cucumber and tomatoes with a glass bowl of salad next to the cutting board
  • Drink water instead of sugary drinks
  • Add one extra fruit or vegetable to your meals
  • Eat smaller portions
  • Cook more meals at home
  • Eat balanced diet with less fat
  • Learn about Nutrition & Active Living

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Move Your Body More

Physical activity helps your heart stay strong and keeps healthy blood flow to the brain. Most people can fit one of the following activities into their day:
Three women jogging together on a brick sidewalk on a sunny morning. They all have varying shades of pink tank tops and gray biker shorts.

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Nix Nicotine

The nicotine found in tobacco products like cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, and e-cigarettes/vapes restricts blood flow to both your heart AND your brain:
Up close shot of a man snapping a cigarette in half
  • Smoking has been directly linked to increased risk of cognitive decline
  • Ask yourself WHY you want to quit
  • Set a quit date
  • Get help from friends, family, or a quit coach
  • Remember, it’s never too late to quit nicotine
  • Find free quit support options at DPH Tobacco Cessation

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Other Ways to Protect Your Brain

A little goes a long way – try some of these tips to boost your brain health and protect against cognitive decline:
  • Sleep well - aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night
  • Take care of your mental health, hearing, and vision
  • Get socially connected at a recreation center, faith-based organization, or volunteer program
  • Protect your brain from injury and wear a helmet when playing sports or riding bikes/motorcycles
  • Play word and memory games
  • Reduce alcohol consumption
  • To get started, visit the Brain Health Habit Builder

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Resources

For more information on DPH’s Take Brain Health to Heart initiative, please contact BOLD@dph.sc.gov.

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Take Brain Health to Heart