Neurologist suggests three changes to help stave off dementia in 2026

A neurologist on TikTok listed three lifestyle changes — prioritising consistent sleep, a regular daily routine, and dancing — that he says can support brain health and referenced research linking dance to lower dementia risk.

A neurologist posted a short video on TikTok outlining three New Year resolutions he says could support brain health. He presented these as lifestyle approaches rather than new medications or supplements. The recommendations were to prioritise consistent sleep, build a predictable daily routine, and include dancing as a regular activity. He also referenced research that reported dancing was associated with a lower risk of dementia. Key points: - The neurologist named in the report is Dr Baibing Chen, who outlined three resolutions in a social media video. - On sleep he emphasised keeping a consistent schedule and good sleep hygiene, and said this is preferable to relying on more medications or supplements. - On routine he said predictable daily patterns (regular wake times, meals, movement and wind‑down signals) help the brain and are reported to be linked with less anxiety and depression; he also noted observed reductions in migraine frequency and chronic pain. - On dancing he highlighted that it combines movement, balance, coordination, memory, rhythm and social connection, and cited a 2003 New England Journal of Medicine study that reported dancing was the only physical activity in that study associated with reduced dementia risk. - He suggested that learning new choreographies can challenge more areas of the brain and mentioned community classes or online options as ways people might engage with dance. Summary: The neurologist presented these everyday habits as ways to support cognitive health and noted a specific study linking dance with lower dementia risk. Undetermined at this time.