Brain health isn't determined by a single meal, workout, or lifestyle “hack.” Instead, research keeps pointing to the power of small, consistent habits working together over time.
As part of Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month, we brought together a panel of four brain health experts to discuss practical strategies that we can all begin incorporating today. Meaningful social connections, brain-supporting nutrition, and whole-body health each contribute to healthy aging, and this conversation delivers a hopeful, evidence-based look at protecting cognitive health for the future.
Watch the full conversation in this video or jump to the moments that interest you the most.
Inside the Conversation
09:51 | Why Social Connection Is More Powerful Than You Think
Hear from Jennifer Ventrelle, MS, RDN
The quality of your connections matters more than the quantity. Hear a personal story that illustrates how meaningful relationships can influence physical and cognitive well-being, and discover three small ways you can create more connections that benefit your brain — these daily interactions may matter more than you realize.
18:40 | A Brain-Healthy Diet That Fits Real Life
Hear from Annie Fenn, MD
Dr. Annie Fenn introduces a simple framework she calls "the 4 F's" and explains how these everyday principles can make brain-healthy eating both practical and sustainable. Plus, learn why the act of meal planning — and even cooking itself — may be just as important as what's on your plate.
31:21 | Why Brain Health Starts with the Rest of Your Body
Hear from Thomas Holland, MD, MS
Supporting your brain means paying attention to the rest of your health, too. In fact, whole body health is indispensable. This discussion explores movement, cardiovascular health, metabolic health, and why a single measurement rarely tells the whole story.
41:41 | Three Nutrients That Deserve Your Attention
Hear from Edward Park, PhD
Certain nutrients become increasingly important as we age, yet many people don't get enough through diet alone. Discover why these nutrients are relevant to the brain, the levels to know when reviewing your blood work, and the surprisingly simple eating habit that brings them all together.
50:36 | Live Audience Q&A
Curious to learn more? Here, the panel answers live questions from viewers about supplements, healthy aging, consistency, and common concerns.
Meet Our Brain Health Expert Panel
Co-Founder of The Official MIND Diet | Assistant Professor, Rush University Medical Center
Jennifer Ventrelle, MS, RDN, is a registered dietitian, certified personal trainer, and co-author of The Official MIND Diet. With over 20 years of experience in clinical nutrition, fitness, and mindfulness-based approaches, she helps people make sustainable choices that support lifelong health. At Rush University Medical Center, she helps lead the U.S. POINTER Study, the largest U.S. trial focused on preventing cognitive decline, and is passionate about helping people build a peaceful relationship with food. You can find Jen and The Official MIND Diet on Substack and Instagram.
Founder of The Brain Health Kitchen | Physician, Chef, and Author
Annie Fenn, MD, is a physician, chef, and author of Brain Health Kitchen who helps people make brain-healthy eating both approachable and enjoyable. Inspired by her own family’s experience with neurodegenerative disease, she combines evidence-based nutrition with cooking strategies rooted in whole foods and the Mediterranean diet. You can find Annie and The Brain Health Kitchen on Substack and Instagram.
Faculty-Assistant Professor, Rush University | Rush Institute for Healthy Aging
Thomas Holland, MD, MS, is a physician, nutrition researcher, and neuroepidemiologist whose work focuses on how lifestyle choices influence cognitive aging. At the Rush Institute for Healthy Aging, he studies nutritional risk factors for Alzheimer's disease and other dementias and serves as an Assistant Trial Director, Medical Advisor, and Study Clinician for the U.S. POINTER Trial. His research on dietary flavonoids and brain health has helped expand our understanding of how everyday eating may impact cognitive health across the lifespan. You can find Tom on LinkedIn and Instagram.
Founder and President, NeuroReserve
Edward Park, PhD, founded NeuroReserve after watching his father battle Parkinson’s disease and dementia for nearly two decades. That experience inspired a mission to help people take action long before cognitive decline begins. With more than 20 years of experience in the research and development of biopharmaceuticals, medical devices, and nutritional therapeutics, Ed and the NeuroReserve team are dedicated to translating complex science into practical nutritional interventions that help people protect their brains.
Watch the Full Conversation in the Video Above!
No single habit determines brain health, but consistent actions add up. Whether you're looking to support your own cognitive health or help a loved one age well, this conversation is full of encouraging stories and simple habits that make supporting the brain feel less overwhelming and more achievable.
Tools for a Brain-Healthy Lifestyle
At NeuroReserve, our mission is to help protect people from the growing epidemic of neurodegenerative disease and cognitive decline through evidence-based nutritional products and practical dietary guidance.
We offer a range of brain health resources and products, including RELEVATE, our patented nutritional supplement inspired by the Mediterranean and MIND dietary patterns; Brain Health Kitchen Extra Virgin Olive Oil (BHK EVOO), developed in collaboration with Dr. Annie Fenn to make Mediterranean-inspired eating part of everyday life; and REVANTA Creatine, formulated to support brain energy and performance.