Keeping your brain healthy starts with what you eat. Wild seafood like salmon, herring and others are powerful brain foods.
There's something about an Alaska summer that asks a lot of us.
After a long winter, everything seems to come alive at once. The days stretch late into the evening. The fish are running. The gardens need tending. Family visits pick up. There are projects to finish, trails to hike, and every bit of sunshine feels too valuable to waste. It is a season of movement, energy, and catching up on all the things we could not do just a few months ago.
But in the middle of all that fullness, it can also feel like a lot to keep up with.
It is easy to move from one thing to the next without pause. Easy to forget to rest. Easy to overlook the quiet habits that keep us feeling steady, clear, and well. And while summer brings joy, it can also bring a kind of busyness that leaves our minds just as tired as our bodies.
That is why this time of year is also an important moment to think about brain health.
Taking care of your brain does not require big changes or complicated routines. In fact, some of the most powerful ways to support cognitive health are simple, everyday choices. Small habits that, over time, help protect memory, support mood, and build resilience.
One of those habits is something many Alaskans already have close at hand: what we eat.
When it comes to brain health, science is clear. Nutrition matters. Diets rich in omega 3 fatty acids and vitamin D can help reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease and support overall cognitive health. That is where Alaska shines.
Wild seafood like salmon, sablefish, herring, rockfish, and cod are powerful brain foods. Omega 3s such as EPA and DHA help reduce inflammation in the brain, support nerve cell function, and are linked to a lower risk of Alzheimer's disease, depression, and cognitive decline. Research shows that even eating seafood once per week can make a meaningful difference, supporting brain volume, memory, and overall function.
The Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute reinforces this connection, noting that diets rich in wild Alaska seafood support brain health by reducing inflammation, protecting nerve cells, and even lowering the risk of Alzheimer's disease and dementia. With nearly sixty percent of the brain made up of fat, these nutrients play a critical role in how our brains grow, function, and stay resilient over time. Vitamin D also supports brain health, with low levels linked to cognitive decline and mood disorders.
One of our Ten Keys to Dementia Risk Reduction is eating right. Here in Alaska, that can be as simple as enjoying the seafood you already have on hand. Checking the freezer. Sharing a meal. Cooking up that salmon.
If you are looking for a fresh way to bring these nutrients into your routine, consider trying a seasonal recipe like Alaska salmon with rhubarb ginger sauce and spiralized vegetables in the sidebar (Link: Alaska Salmon With Rhubarb-Ginger Sauce And Spiralized Veggies | Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute). It is a great example of how brain healthy eating can also reflect the flavors of Alaska's summer, combining nutrient rich seafood with bright, local ingredients.
But brain health is about more than what is on your plate. It is also about how you spend your time.
Summer offers countless opportunities to engage your mind in meaningful ways. Painting, reading, learning something new, or even trying a different recipe can help stimulate the brain. Physical activity, whether it is a walk along a trail or time spent working in the yard, supports both body and mind.
Just as important is something we often overlook in a busy season: slowing down.
Taking a moment to sit outside and listen. Letting yourself enjoy the long light without needing to fill every hour. Pausing long enough to notice how you are feeling. These quiet moments are not wasted time. They are essential. They allow the brain to rest, reset, and stay balanced.
Caring for your brain is not about doing more. It is about being intentional with what you already do.
As summer unfolds, we encourage you to find small ways to support your brain health. Nourish your body, stay curious, make space for rest. And remember that taking care of yourself is one of the most important things you can do for your future.
If you have questions about brain health, memory concerns, or ways to reduce your risk, our team is here for you. Alzheimer's Resource Alaska supports all Alaskans affected by Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, and our services are available at no cost to you. Learn more at http://www.AlzAlaska.org or call us at 907-561-3313.
You do not have to navigate this alone. This summer, take care of your brain. It is with you for every moment that matters.
Lisa Sauder is CEO, Alzheimer's Resource Alaska.
