The Alzheimer’s Association has launched a new free online tool aimed at helping Colorado residents evaluate their daily habits and take steps to support long-term brain health.
The Brain Health Habit Builder is a web-based, interactive experience that takes about three to five minutes to complete. Users answer questions about their lifestyle, then receive a personalized plan focused on small, manageable changes tied to brain health. The plan can be downloaded, printed or shared, and the tool is accessible on both desktop and mobile devices.
“Healthy habits can help you live better now and protect your memory and thinking as you age,” said Valerie Lombardi, executive director of the Alzheimer’s Association of Colorado. “This new tool makes it easy to check your habits and build a personalized plan to support lifelong brain health.”
The recommendations generated by the tool are informed by findings from the U.S. POINTER study, a large, multi-year clinical trial funded by the Alzheimer’s Association that examined if lifestyle interventions could improve cognitive function in older adults at risk for cognitive decline.
The study found that a combination of physical activity, healthy eating, cognitive and social engagement, and regular health monitoring led to improved cognition.
Brain health refers to how well people think, learn and remember. While research continues to evolve, studies increasingly suggest that addressing certain risk factors — such as inactivity, poor diet and social isolation — may reduce the risk of cognitive decline and possibly dementia.
The Alzheimer’s Association has expanded its public education efforts in recent years, offering community programs and sharing research-based guidance through initiatives like its “10 Healthy Habits for Your Brain” campaign.
The Brain Health Habit Builder is the first in a series of new resources planned by the organization following the release of the U.S. POINTER study results. Future initiatives include virtual brain health training for health care providers, a community recognition program highlighting businesses that promote brain-healthy practices and a brain health roundtable designed to bring together leaders from health care, public health and the private sector.
Colorado residents can access the Brain Health Habit Builder at alz.org/habitbuilder. Information on local Alzheimer’s Association education programs is available at alz.org/crf or by calling the Association’s toll-free 24/7 Helpline at (800) 272-3900.
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