1. Head first - Good health starts with your brain. It's one of the most vital body organs, and it needs care and maintenance.

2. Take brain health to heart - What's good for the heart is good for the brain. Do something every day to prevent heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and stroke - all of which can increase your risk of Alzheimer's.

3. Your numbers count - Keep your body weight, blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels within recommended ranges.

4. Feed your brain - Eat less fat and more antioxidant-rich foods.

5. Work your body - Physical exercise keeps the blood flowing and may encourage new brain cells. Do what you can - like walking 30 minutes a day - to keep both body and mind active.

6. Jog your mind - Keeping your brain active and engaged increases its vitality and builds reserves of brain cells and connections. Read, write, play games, learn new things, do crossword puzzles.

7. Connect with others - Leisure activities that combine physical, mental and social elements may be most likely to prevent dementia. Be social, converse, volunteer, join a club or take a class.

8. Heads up! Protect your brain - Take precautions against head injuries. Use your car seat belts; unclutter your house to avoid falls; and wear a helmet when cycling.

9. Use your head - Avoid unhealthy habits. Don't smoke, drink excessive alcohol or use street drugs.

10. Think ahead - start today! - You can do something today to protect your tomorrow.

© Alzheimer's Associatoin 2006. All rights reserved.