Neurologists urge earlier brain health steps ahead of World Alzheimer’s Month
byEloise Lushina,WSBT22NewsReporter
Sun, August 30, 2026 at 9:28 PM
UpdatedSun, August 30, 2026 at 10:29 PM
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More than 121,000 Hoosiers are living with Alzheimer’s disease and are ages 65 and older, according to the Alzheimer’s Association (WSBT File).
(WSBT) —September is almost here, which is recognized as World Alzheimer’s Month
Neurologists say there are things you can do now to support your brain health
They say you shouldn’t just prioritize it when something is going wrong or if you are a senior
New studies show that if you focus on your brain health earlier, it will help preserve it better
“There are treatments, and these treatments work better the earlier you start,” said Douglas Scharre, MD, Cognitive and Behavioral Neurologist
More than 121,000 Hoosiers are living with Alzheimer’s disease and are ages 65 and older, according to the Alzheimer’s Association
But doctors say certain everyday habits can help prevent degenerative diseases—and it all comes down to mental stimulation
Socialization is one of the best forms of mental stimulation you can do, and it’s easy for everyone. You’re trying to see how their facial expressions are, your visual spatial is working. You’re hearing what they’re saying. You’re trying to add and let them talk, and then you join in. So it’s working the whole brain. It’s really great for the brain,” said Dr. Scharre.
Dr. Scharre said that besides socialization, puzzles, reading, and learning a new instrument or language also support brain health and activity
More than 121,000 Hoosiers are living with Alzheimer’s disease and are ages 65 and older, according to the Alzheimer’s Association (WSBT File).
He also said getting quality sleep plays a role in clearing toxins from the brain
“The brain is very active in sleep and more research has shown that it’s the time where the brain is sort of removing some of the inflammatory toxins and things like degenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s,” said Dr. Scharre
More than 121,000 Hoosiers are living with Alzheimer’s disease and are ages 65 and older, according to the Alzheimer’s Association (WSBT File).
Exercise and a diet with mostly fruits and vegetables, less red meat and limited processed sugar keep your brain as healthy as possible
You only have one brain, you know, so you better take care of it from the very beginning,” said Dr. Scharre.
Doctors say that although you can’t control every risk factor, you can implement habits today that will help strengthen your physical and brain health in the years ahead
