The choices we make each day can have a huge impact on our long-term brain health. Our Lifestyle Empowerment for Alzheimer's Prevention (LEAP!) program translates the latest brain wellness research into actionable tips for everyday life.

Keep reading to learn more about the six key lifestyle factors that can influence your brain health – or scroll down to start exploring our courses, webinars, and free resources.

Lifestyle Factors

These six core factors are essential for improving brain health. Small changes in any of these areas can help lower your risk of Alzheimer’s disease and boost your brain’s resilience for years to come. 

Move More

Staying physically active throughout the day is one of the best ways to support brain health. Some research suggests that getting 10,000 steps a day could help lower your risk of dementia by up to 50%! 

Get Fit

Regular exercise boosts heart health, improves metabolism, and may even help generate new brain cells. Be sure to include aerobic, strength, balance, and flexibility exercises for a well-rounded routine. 

Eat Healthy 

A balanced eating pattern – such as a Mediterranean-style diet – provides key nutrients your brain needs to thrive. Include plenty of vegetables and fruits, whole grains, and healthy fat sources (such as fatty fish and olive oil) in your diet.  

Stay connected 

Challenging your mind and spending time with others helps keep your brain adaptable and resilient. Make time to connect with family and friends, try new things, and enjoy hobbies. 

Sleep Well 

Sleep helps the brain consolidate memories and get rid of toxins. Long-term sleep loss may increase your risk of several brain health conditions. Aim for 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night.  

Manage Stress and Mental Health 

While everyone experiences stressful situations from time to time, chronic stress may harm the brain. Tools and techniques like breathing exercises, meditation, or art can help protect our brain health as we face life’s challenges. 

LEAP! offers courses, standalone webinars, and other tools to jumpstart your journey toward a healthier brain. Check out the resources below to get started.

About Our Programs

LEAP! provides free and low-cost online programs that will equip you with science-based strategies to support your brain health. We currently offer two courses: Brain Health Boot Camp and the Mediterranean Diet. We also offer standalone webinars covering a variety of brain health topics. 

Our programs are a great fit for learners of all ages who are interested in supporting their brains through healthy lifestyle habits, including those with and without cognitive changes. 

Brain Health Boot Camp

A six-week online course covering the fundamentals of a brain-healthy lifestyle. We explore nutrition, sleep, exercise, and more! This course features weekly interactive Zoom classes, bonus video lessons, and dozens of additional resources, including cheat sheets and goal-setting ideas.

The Next Brain Health Boot Camp begins January 22, 2024. Interactive Zoom classes will take place on Wednesdays at 10:00 am CT. Click here to learn more and sign up. Cost: $15

SIGN UP

Simple Steps to a Healthier Brain Booklet

In this booklet, you'll learn about the key lifestyle factors that influence brain health - and small changes you can make in each area to support your brain. Click the button below to sign up and receive the digital booklet in your inbox. 

Access the Booklet

Brain-Healthy Lifestyle Score 

This score provides a snapshot of how your everyday habits may be affecting your long-term brain health. By taking our 5-minute quiz, you'll learn how you currently stack up in several key lifestyle areas, including sleep, nutrition, exercise, and more! 

Calculate Your Score

LEAP! is committed to making brain health education available to all. Thanks to generous donors, we’re able to offer our courses at a reduced cost and can waive the fee for those who need it. If you need help covering the cost of tuition, please email kuadrcleap@kumc.edu. 

You can help keep LEAP! affordable to all by making a contribution to our program.

Support LEAP!