6 science-backed ways to stave off dementia and preserve your memory as you age

• Memory and cognitive function tend to decline as people age.
• According to a recent paper, lifestyle choices can help slow that decline.
• A healthy diet, regular exercise, and an active social life can keep your memory stronger.

A healthy diet, regular exercise, and an active social life can help preserve your memory as you age.

That's according to a study published in The BMJ that followed almost 30,000 people in China for 10 years. Those who had more "healthy lifestyle factors" had slower memory decline than those who did not. Participants were all 60 years or older at the start of the study.