womanthismonth.com | MAY 2026 OPINION 86 Here is some encouraging news: Alzheimer’s disease does not usually begin suddenly. Changes in the brain can start years before someone notices symptoms such as forgetfulness or difficulty thinking clearly. That means the story is not only about what happens later – it is also about what we can do earlier to support brain health. While there is no guaranteed way to prevent Alzheimer’s, there are practical strategies that may help delay or slow memory and thinking decline. Among the most hopeful options is one you can incorporate into everyday life: cognitive training. The Hopeful Big Picture Researchers cannot promise results in the same way they might with a single proven medication. However, the evidence points to approaches that appear to support brain health and may reduce risk over time. Think of these as ‘brain-friendly choices’ that work best together, rather than one magic solution. What Looks Most Promising Several areas come up again and again when it comes to protecting thinking skills as we age: • Managing blood pressure When blood pressure is well controlled, it helps protect the health of blood vessels – including those that supply the brain. • Staying physically active Movement supports circulation, metabolism and general wellbeing, all of which can influence how well the brain functions over the years. • Cognitive training Cognitive training is about exercising the mental skills you want to keep sharp, such as memory, attention and problem-solving. Why Cognitive Training Deserves Extra Hope Cognitive training works on a simple idea: your brain responds to challenge. Just as muscles grow stronger when they are used, thinking skills can improve and become more resilient when they are practised regularly. The best part is that cognitive training does not have to be complicated. It can include: • Learning something new, such as a skill, topic or hobby • Games that require focus and strategy • Puzzles that strengthen memory or pattern recognition • Activities that make you plan, reason or solve problems • Reading and then summarising what you have learnt • Writing regularly, whether through notes, journaling or short stories You do not need hours. What matters most is consistency – a little, often and with variety. If you have ever thought: “I should do something for my brain, but I do not know where to start,” you are not alone. The great thing about cognitive training programmes is that they offer structure. You are not simply doing random puzzles, but practising in a way designed to support neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to change and strengthen over time. Why a Programme Can Be a Powerful Next Step When you train on your own, it is easy to lose motivation, repeat the same thing or stop once it feels too easy or too difficult. A training centre programme can help by providing: • Guided, structured sessions, so you always know what to do next • Progressive difficulty, which helps keep your brain challenged • Evidence-informed approaches rather than guesswork • Accountability and coaching, which make consistency much more likely What to Remember It is encouraging to know that Alzheimer’s prevention is not about perfection. It is about building habits that support brain health, especially habits you can maintain. If you take one action from this article, let it be this: start cognitive training now, even at a beginner level. It is a proactive step that can make your routine feel more purposeful and may help you stay mentally sharp for longer. Fifi Kiwan is a Behaviour Consultant and Certified ADHD Coach with 18 years’ experience using evidence-based, play-based ABA methods to support communication, behaviour, cognitive development and real-world progress for families and professionals. Preventing Alzheimer’s Disease: What Do We Know (and What Can You Do)?
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy Mjk0MTkxMQ==