On World Alzheimer's Day, Phil Coticelli, executive director of the Alzheimer's Policy Working Group, joined WUSA9 to deliver a message that is equal parts practical and hopeful: there is more reason for optimism in the fight against Alzheimer's than ever before, and there are simple things people can start doing today to protect their brain health.

Coticelli, who lost two grandparents to the disease, walked viewers through four easy habits backed by research: writing by hand to stimulate the mind, staying socially connected, eating with intention, and moving more. He also highlighted the rapid progress in early detection, noting that blood tests can now identify signs of Alzheimer's years before symptoms appear and that FDA-approved treatments are available to slow the disease for those diagnosed early.

His message for anyone watching: start paying attention to your brain health in your 50s, and if you are noticing changes in memory or executive function, see a healthcare professional. Watch the full interview here →

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