2014 America's Brain Health Index

AMERICA'S 2014 BRAIN HEALTH INDEX The 2014 America's Brain Health Index is a state-by-state ranking of brain health that delivers the data on how well Americans are incorporating the four dimensions of brain health into their daily lives. It evaluates the 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia based on 21 factors including nutrition, physical health, mental health and social well-being. TOP TEN STATES FOR BRAIN #2 WASHINGTON #7 VERMONT #9 NEW HAMPSHIRE #8 NEW YORK #4 CONNECTICUT HEALTH #3 COLORAD0 #6 DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA #5 ALASKA #1 MARYLAND #10 GEORGIA Key Above Average Average Below Average IMPORTANCE OF BRAIN HEALTH THE YOUNGEST ARE TURNING BABY BOOMERS MAKE UP AVERAGE LIFE EXPECTANCY 1111 25% ► 50 2014 • 78.7 IN OF THE U.S. POPULATION YEARS RECENT STUDIES FOUND BABY BOOMERS WERE MORE OBESE, LESS ACTIVE AND HAD HIGHER CHOLESTEROL AND BLOOD PRESSURE THAN THE PREVIOUS GENERATION* FOUR DIMENSIONS OF BRAIN HEALTH #1 DIET & NUTRITION ► MENTAL HEALTH #3 TIP: Eat foods rich TIP: Commit to Current research Research indicates the in lutein, vitamin E and DHA like eggs, learning a new word daily and to mastering a new skill each year. brain is capable of learning and retaining new facts and skills throughout life, especially with frequent intellectual stimulation. indicates a diet rich in good fats like DHA omega-3 and nutrients such as vitamin E and lutein may protect brain cells and promote brain health. spinach or fish, or add a dietary supplement. #2 PHYSICAL HEALTH TIP: Make time for at TIP: Volunteer for a SOCIAL WELL-BEING #4 cause that is meaningful to you. least 30 minutes of Overall physical health is closely linked to brain health, making a healthy body key to a healthy brain. Research shows regular social activity promotes creation of new brain exercise every day of the week. cells and supports brain repair. (H+ BEAUTIFUL-MINDS.COM *SOURCES: NHANES 2013, ORGANIZATION FOR ECONOMIC C0-OPERATION AND DEVELOPMENT