While Alzheimer's can affect anyone, researchers say that keeping the mind as active as possible is one of the best ways to reduce one's risk for acquiring the disease.

LiveScience offers a few suggestions for how to keep one's mind sharp.

Eat well

Though overeating can have an adverse impact on a variety of health aspects, not eating enough can be just as bad. The source says that people should maintain a nice balance that gives the body all the nutrients it needs to perform at its best. Ideally, the best foods are those that are high in fiber and have moderate amounts of fat and protein. This will help the body burn calories in a more even fashion so there's a long-lasting supply of nutrients to the brain. Ideal foods are fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean beef and fish. Seafood sources are particularly good for the brain, as essential fatty acids are crucial to brain function. Virtually all fish contain these omega-3 fatty acids but salmon and snapper are particularly rich in omega-3s.

Exercise

Eating properly is one of the best ways to take care of one's body, which LiveScience notes can have a significant influence on brain function. Thus, individuals should try to keep their bodies in the best working order as possible by exercising at least 30 minutes per day, avoiding harmful substances like cigarettes and drinking moderate amounts of alcohol.

Rest

Adequate rest is also important, as recent study found that people who have trouble sleeping might be at an increased risk for Alzheimer's. In addition, as LiveScience points out, other studies have found that when people get too little sleep, harmful proteins build up on brains synapses, which may make it harder to recall information.

Coffee

Though it can be abused, caffeine has been shown to boost brainpower as well. The source notes that based on several large-scale studies, two cups of coffee per day can help stave off age-related mental decline and decrease Alzheimer's incidence by between 30 and 60 percent.

While there is such a thing as healthy levels of stress, constant feelings of anxiety can be debilitating, particularly on the hippocampus, the portion of the brain controls memory function. People can reduce their stress levels by establishing time every day to relax, which can be further enhanced simply by socializing or performing yoga, LiveScience suggests.