According to a recent perspective article on the dementia epidemic in the U.S. in the New England Journal of Medicine, people are less likely to experience dementia and Alzheimer’s disease today than they were 20 years ago and those who do may be developing it later in life.

Neurologist and author of Grain Brain: The Surprising Truth about Wheat, Carbs and Sugar – Your Brain’s Silent Killers, Dr. David Perlmutter, has a few recommendations to help increase longevity and support brain health.

Find out if you are sensitive to gluten. As discussed in Grain Brain, ignoring gluten sensitivity can put your brain in a fog. If you are gluten intolerant, avoiding grain may help your brain function at its best.

Get 20 minutes of aerobic exercise, uninterrupted, at least 6 times a week. Moving your body in new ways is important for good overall health at any age and can also be important for brain health.

Add a DHA supplement to your diet. The MIDAS study found a DHA supplement can help improve memory in healthy aging adults over 55 with mild cognitive complaints.

Learn something new. People who continue to learn new things and enjoy new activities can expand their minds in ways that may help to build connections in the brain and support brain function. Activities like learning a new dance or trying a new walking route can help facilitate mental engagement. Try getting involved with the National Center for Creative Aging. Visit the online directory of aging programs in America to find something in your area.

What is something new you would like to try this year?