Brain aging and cognitive aging are a natural part of the aging process, and may include some changes in the ability to think, learn and remember. Learn more about the changes to expect and ways to maintain cognitive health with age.

1/3

of Americans feel uninformed about normal cognitive aging

87%

of respondents are concerned about age-related memory loss and decline in brain function as they grow older

74%

of Americans realize the healthy behaviors that help care for their bodies can also benefit their brains

Learn more about the McKnight Brain Research Foundation consumer survey

Cognitive Aging Resources

How to Talk to
Your Doctor

It’s never too early to talk to your doctor about your brain health. Use this guide to help start the conversation.

Download the Questions

Are You Concerned for a
Loved One?

If you’re worried about a loved one, talking to them about any changes in memory you’ve noticed is the best place to start.

Download the Guide

Understand Your
Brain with Age

Your brain ages just like the rest of your body. Use our tips to better understand the changes to expect with age and what you can do to keep your brain healthy.

Download the Tips

Frequently Asked
Questions

Looking to learn more about cognitive aging? Our FAQs answer the most commonly asked questions about cognitive aging and brain health.

Visit our FAQs

Download and print these resources to share with your communities, loved ones, patients and more.

Brain Works Resource Hub

The McKnight Brain Research Foundation’s Brain Works resource hub provides credible information on cognitive aging and brain health. Use our resources and those from other leading aging and brain health organizations to learn more about how to maintain a healthy brain with age. Explore topics below:

Resources for Healthcare Professionals

Resources designed for HCPs to continue their education in brain health and learn the latest information.

Tips on Brain Health

Tips and advice that could help maintain brain health through lifestyle factors like nutrition, exercise, mental health and stress management, social connection and brain engagement.

Tips for Talking to Your Healthcare Professional

Tips for the public to help facilitate a conversation with their healthcare professional about their concerns related to brain health for themselves or a loved one.

Cognitive Aging Self Assessments

Collection of assessment tools that allows peoples to learn about their cognitive health

Landmark Studies And Reports

A resource library of well-known or landmark studies in the brain health and cognitive aging field

Research Highlights

Resource library of recent peer-reviewed published research studies related to leaders in the cognitive aging and brain health field, McKnight Trustees, or McKnight Brain Institute research.

About Cognitive Aging

A resource library of well-known or landmark studies in the brain health and cognitive aging field

All Topics

Explore our brain health blog

Brain Health Hot Topics

Follow our Hot Topics to keep up with the latest news and research on cognitive aging and brain health.

When is Forgetting Normal — And When is it Worrisome? A Neuroscientist Weighs in

When cognitive neuroscientist Charan Ranganath meets someone for the first time, he’s often asked, “Why am I so forgetful?” But…

How Your Memory Really Works, and How it Changes as You Age

Memory lapses happen at every age, but recent missteps by Biden and Trump have sparked questions about memory and aging…

New Research Shows Adopting Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors Can Reduce the Risk of Cognitive Decline and Dementia

Ronald Lazar, PhD, FAHA, FAAN, Director of the Evelyn F. McKnight Brain Institute at the University of Alabama at Birmingham…

See All Hot Topics

Get in Touch with Us

Please send us a message if you have questions about brain health and cognitive aging.

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