Promoting a brain-healthy lifestyle.

The population of older adults is increasing worldwide. Old age is often associated with a continuous decline in memory and along with other forms of cognitive decline can impede the self-management abilities necessary for everyday functioning. Recent research suggests that adapting a brain-healthy lifestyle may reduce age-related cognitive decline and, in some instances, improve memory and thinking. As a health educator the gerontological nurse can help older people to navigate the information essential to improving brain health. Nurses can incorporate knowledge about brain-healthy behaviours into older adults' routines.