5 activities you can do at home to help reduce your risk of Alzheimer’s

You can blame your family for a lot of things, but most of the time, Alzheimer’s disease and different types of dementia aren’t among them. There’s a common misconception that Alzheimer’s is hereditary, but more than 95 per cent of the time, this is not the case.

Just because the disease isn’t in your family doesn’t mean you aren’t susceptible to it down the line. Fortunately, there are plenty of preventative measures you can take now.

Caring for your brain and well-being can reduce your risk of Alzheimer’s and other dementias, and best of all, you can take action from the comfort of home. Cozy up this winter, and enjoy a staycation complete with these five brain-boosting activities.

Prioritize quality sleep

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For many mammals, winter is a time of hibernation. For humans, it’s a time to get caught up on precious sleep. Poor sleep is linked to the buildup of amyloid proteins, which are associated with Alzheimer’s.

Try to commit to a consistent bedtime, and put your screens down at least an hour before bed. You’ll notice a difference in your quality of rest right away, and the long-term results will be incredibly beneficial to your overall health.

Get your body moving

Physical movement isn’t just healthy for your body – it aids your brain health, as well. Regular exercise improves blood flow to the brain, promoting new brain cell connections.

Even if you’re at home, you can make use of online workout videos, do chair exercises while watching TV, climb the stairs a few extra times, or dance along to your favourite songs while getting ready or cleaning the house. Remember, any movement is better than no movement at all.

Take one step to improve your physical health

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While you’re enjoying some downtime, take a minute to book an appointment regarding an element of your physical health. Several health factors can directly affect the brain, including high blood pressure, hearing loss, chronic stress, and excessive alcohol consumption.

You can even figure out some fun ways to address these problems at home, like perfecting a mocktail recipe or practicing meditation. When you’re good to your body, you’re good to your mind.

Read something slightly more challenging

We’re not telling you to go out and read Ulysses, but reading something slightly more complex than you’re used to activates language networks, memory, and imagination – AKA, it’s great for brain health.

Curl up with something outside your comfort zone, like literary fiction, sci-fi, philosophy, or educational non-fiction.

Make time for something social

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The best part about prioritizing your health is that you don’t have to do it alone. Making meals, learning new games, and going for walks are all made better with great company.

Isolation increases the risk of Alzheimer’s, so be sure to make the most of your social connections. So, call a friend or family member you haven’t connected with in a while, and embark on a healthy activity together — or simply chat. Now’s as good a time as any to catch up with loved ones.

StillMe

While no activity guarantees prevention, research consistently shows that combining positive habits like the ones listed above throughout your life can meaningfully reduce your overall risk.

That’s where the StillMe movement comes in. Focused on both risk reduction and breaking down stigma around Alzheimer’s and other dementias, StillMe offers practical brain health tips, science-backed strategies, and a supportive community centred on lifelong brain health.

By getting involved, you can also help shift the conversation — sharing what you’ve learned, challenging misconceptions, and contributing to meaningful social change.

If you sign up this January, you’ll be entered to win a huge prize package, featuring gifts from Bolero Restaurant, Ska Thermal Spa, PRML/Rumble, Om Organics, Launch Pad Golf and Heritage Park — worth over $1000!

Learn more by visiting the StillMe website for tips on brain health, stories of hope, and ways to get involved.