Usually when people of getting or keeping fit they think from the neck down. But there is one very important organ we are forgetting about! Our brain! It plays a critical role in everything we do thinking, feeling, remembering, working, and playing – even sleeping.

There are a lot of things you can do to keep your brain healthy as you age and even reduce your risk of Alzheimer's and other dementias.

Just like any other muscle your brain slows down as you age and the process is even faster if you don't exercise it. Here are some ways to promote a healthy brain.

Mental decline as you age appears to be largely due to altered connections among brain cells. But research has found that keeping the brain active seems to increase its vitality and may build its reserves of brain cells and connections. You could even generate new brain cells.

You don't have to make huge changes to your daily routine. Start small and gradually add some of the following 'brain exercises'.

• Keep your brain active every day:
• Stay curious and involved — commit to lifelong learning
• Read, write, work crossword or other puzzles (for crosswords: http://www.kappapuzzles.com/alz/solveacrossword.html
• Attend lectures and plays
• Enroll in courses at your local adult education center, community college or other community group
• Play games
• Garden
• Try memory exercises