Survey: Most U.S. adults believe brain health habits should begin before age 40

A new national survey commissioned by The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center finds most U.S. adults believe brain health habits should begin before age 40.

The survey of 1,000 adults found that 60% want to prioritize brain health earlier in life but don’t know how.

Even people with no family history or signs of memory or thinking problems, dementia or Alzheimer’s disease are starting to take steps to protect their brain health, said neurologist Douglas Scharre, MD, medical director of Ohio State’s Center for Cognitive and Memory Disorders.

Middle-aged or younger will be a perfect time to start brain healthy habits. Once you start working on your brain health, it could provide a more robust brain reserve which could delay the time to when you may develop memory issues, such as forgetting your keys.”