Sunday Pick: The science on improving your brain health with Dr. Ayesha and Dean Sherzai

Alzheimer’s and dementia prevention relies heavily on proactive lifestyle modifications rather than just genetic predisposition. Neurologists Drs. Dean and Ayesha Sherzai emphasize that cognitive decline can be delayed or mitigated through the "NEURO" framework, which prioritizes nutrition, exercise, stress management, restorative sleep, and cognitive engagement. Consuming leafy greens and berries, maintaining consistent physical activity like daily walking, and participating in complex, purpose-driven hobbies—such as playing a musical instrument—actively support brain health. While Alzheimer's affects approximately 7 million Americans, with women disproportionately represented, the disease's progression is often linked to vascular health and midlife habits. By focusing on these modifiable factors, individuals can shift from a mindset of fear to one of agency, actively constructing a healthier brain throughout their lives.