Are You Afraid of Losing Your Marbles?
June is National Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month — and I’m here for it all month. Why? Because brain health is one of my favorite topics. Your brain controls everything — your thoughts, your body, your emotions, your personality. It’s what makes you you.
Yet we rarely give it the attention it deserves. You can’t see it. You usually can’t feel it. And it works on autopilot — until something goes wrong. Then the fear creeps in:
“Am I losing my mind?”
If you’re middle-aged — especially a woman — the answer may feel like a hesitant yes. Hormonal shifts, chronic stress, poor sleep, lack of exercise, and a nutrient-poor diet can lead to a 30% decline in brain function.
Let that sink in: Thirty percent. Brain fog, inability to concentrate and forgetfulness are not normal signs of aging. Will they happen now and then, of course they will, but they should not be our baseline.
We wouldn’t dream of driving our car without gas or oil, yet we often push our brains to the limit without giving it the fuel and maintenance it needs. Your brain performs literal miracles 24/7 — it deserves the utmost care, love, and respect.
As a Registered Nurse and Certified Dementia Practitioner, I’ve worked in dementia care, hospice, rehabilitation, and long-term care. I’ve seen what happens when the brain breaks down. It’s heartbreaking. My passion for brain health? It started with fear — and turned into a mission.
Cognitive decline is the #1 health concern as we age. But here’s the good news:
You have more control than you think.
Research shows that cognitive decline begins 20–30 years before symptoms appear. That means your 40s, 50s, and 60s are the perfect time to start being proactive.
In fact, up to 40–60% of Alzheimer’s cases and 80% of chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease are preventable with lifestyle changes. That’s not just inspiring — it’s empowering.
Neuroscientist and brain health expert Dr. Lisa Mosconi reminds us that less than 1% of Alzheimer’s cases are due to genes alone. For the other 99%, the biggest risk factor is how we live. Hormones, nutrition, sleep, stress, toxins, movement — they all shape the future of our brains.
Dr. Mosconi leads the Weill Cornell Women’s Brain Initiative — the first Alzheimer’s Prevention Clinic focused on women’s health. But not everyone has access to clinics like this.
That’s where people like me — nurses, health coaches, and educators — step in.
My job is to guide you, support you, and make it easier to take care of your brain, your body, and your future.
Let’s start now. Here are the 10 most powerful ways to support your brain (and your body — because it’s all connected).
Top 10 Brain Health Activity’s
1- Keto Flex diet ( per Dr. Bredesen)
HIgh phytonutrients
High fiber
High omega's
No grains or dairy
No simple carbs
Clean protein, low mercury fish
Fermented veggie's daily
Cruciferous veggie's daily
Fasting 3 hours before bed & 12 hours per night
2. Exercise- aerobic and non aerobic= steps and strength
3. 7+ hours of quality sleep, good sleep hygiene
4. Stress reduction, meditation, box breathing
5. Socialization, connection, feeling valued
6. Gut health- gut brain connection
7. Mouth health-oral care
8. Detoxification-sauna's, hot cold/therapy, heavy metals, gut cleanses
9. Intentional brain training, games, hobbies
10. BHRT, NAD+, vitamins, supplements, nootropics, adaptogens
Stay tuned as we dive deeper into each of these areas of wellness.
Let’s age like a pro, together.
Be well,
— Christine
