CBS Mornings Partners with Alzheimer's Association on Brain Health Series

CBS Mornings is partnering with the Alzheimer's Association for a three-part series titled "Brain Health: From Awareness to Action." The series examines brain-healthy habits that people can adopt to potentially reduce their dementia risk later in life.

A recent Alzheimer's Association survey found that nearly nine in 10 adults consider maintaining brain health as they age very important. Yet 91 percent of respondents said they did not know how to do it.

"There is a growing body of research from the Alzheimer's Association that shows lifestyle can impact your brain health," said Joanne Pike, CEO and president of the Alzheimer's Association. "These are things like nutrition, movement, sleep and connection between people."

The organization created a "6-Step Challenge" to guide healthy lifestyle changes. The goal is to "think about how you can take easy, actionable steps every day to maintain and grow your brain health," Pike told CBS Mornings co-host Gayle King. "These are things that you can incorporate every day."

Increased physical activity improves blood flow and brain function, Pike said. It supports better cognition and offers benefits for mood, stress and sleep. Studies link it to a lower dementia risk.

"Walking and physical activity is great for the brain," Pike said.

Adding more movement does not require hours at the gym. Pike recommended finding simple ways to fit it into daily routines, such as keeping an exercise log for consistency.

"Think about not only walking, but maybe gardening or dancing, doing something you enjoy, and increase that on a regular basis in order to build that momentum," Pike said. "You ultimately want to get to 30 to 45 minutes (of physical activity) several times a week."