Limit alcohol



Recent research published in The Lancet suggests that having more than three drinks a day for women—more than four a day for men—substantially raises the risk for dementia, and particularly early-onset dementia. “Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol can have a negative impact on the brain—another study found excessive drinking may accelerate memory loss as we age,” Palinski-Wade says. The jury is still out on moderate drinking: Although some research suggests it may be detrimental for your brain, the harm might be balanced by its heart benefits, according to Harvard Medical School. If you do drink alcohol, stick to the recommended one drink a day for women, two for men. Watch for the signs your brain is aging faster than you are.