Health

Following an MCI diagnosis, it’s especially important to take care of your brain, no matter how old you are, said Petersen. That includes carefully managing any other illnesses, such as diabetes, and adhering to National Institute of Aging guidelines on exercising regularly, getting sufficient sleep, limiting alcohol and stress, and maintaining an engaging social life.

Diet is also important. Researchers have found that trading saturated and trans fats (in foods like beef ribs, sausage, butter, and commercially baked cookies and cakes) for unsaturated fats (think seafood, walnuts and olive oil) is associated with slower cognitive decline and decreased risk of onset of Alzheimer’s disease.