Build a “Memory Savings Account” with This Daily Habit

By Dr. Scott Olson, ND Posted August 30, 2025

Remember when you used to make fun of your parents for not remembering things—like the name of an actor?

Well, joke’s on us.

Now we’re the ones googling names mid-conversation because we can’t remember if he was in that Christmas movie “where things blow up,” or the other one “where the ship sank.”

But before you resign yourself to the old folk’s home, new research suggests there’s something incredibly simple you can do to keep your brain firing on all cylinders.

The answer isn’t a fancy supplement or expensive brain training program.

It’s something you can do right outside your front door…

A new study published in The Journal of Prevention of Alzheimer’s Disease analyzed data from over 13,000 survey respondents and discovered something remarkable: people who stayed physically active over the long haul experienced significantly less cognitive decline as they aged.

We’re not talking about becoming a marathon runner or hitting the gym like a twenty-something bodybuilder. The researchers found that even moderate, consistent activity—like taking regular walks—made a measurable difference in preserving brain function.

Think of exercise as a savings account for your brain. Every walk around the block, every flight of stairs taken, every time you choose to garden instead of sitting on the couch—it all adds up.

This gives us a much clearer picture of how movement truly impacts our minds over the long term. And the results are encouraging for anyone worried about staying mentally sharp as they age.

Here’s how to start building your “brain savings account” today:

• Take the stairs when you can. Those extra steps add up over time, and your efforts will pay off as you age.
• Park farther away. Instead of circling the parking lot looking for the closest spot, park a little farther out and enjoy the walk.
• Make household chores count. Vacuuming, gardening, and even cleaning can be forms of physical activity that benefit your brain.
• Find activities you actually enjoy. Whether it’s dancing, swimming, or playing with your grandkids, you’re more likely to stick with activities that don’t feel like work.
• Start small and be consistent. A 10-minute walk every day beats a two-hour workout once a week when it comes to long-term brain health.

Researchers believe physical activity protects the brain by improving blood flow, reducing inflammation, and promoting new brain cell growth. Exercise also helps manage other risk factors for cognitive decline, like high blood pressure and diabetes.

But perhaps most importantly, this study reminds us that we have more control over our brain health than we might think. While we can’t stop the aging process, we can influence how our brains age.

So, the next time you’re debating whether to take an evening walk or collapse on the couch, remember: your brain is listening. And it’s hoping you’ll choose to move.

P.S. The trigger behind America’s brain health crisis.

Source:

Song, S., Sung, M. H., Diaz, D., Lin, Z., Tate, A. D., Chen, Z., Rajbhandari-Thapa, J., Adams, G. B., Khan, M. M., Shen, Y., Renzi-Hammond, L. M., & Jin, Y. (2025). Long-term cumulative physical activity associated with less cognitive decline: Evidence from a 16-year cohort study. The Journal of Prevention of Alzheimer’s Disease, 12(6), 100194.

Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND

Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.

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