With more than five million Americans living with Alzheimer's disease, according to the Alzheimer's Association, practices that help prevent cognitive decline are important for people to know so they can do their part to prevent the onset of the disease.

There are many simple, everyday activities you can perform to keep your brain healthy throughout your life, according to AARP Magazine, which shared a list of several tasks that can be done daily.

Exercise

It is vastly important to be active throughout your life. Studies have shown that high exercise levels can reduce the risk of dementia by up to 40 percent, the magazine states.

Lift weights

Lifting weights can be categorized as exercise, but a study by the University of British Columbia at Vancouver found that older women who participated in a year-long weight lifting program tested 13 percent better in cognitive function than women who did balance and toning exercises.

Acquire new skills

Keeping your brain active is a big key in maintaining a healthy brain, according to the magazine. One way to do this is to acquire new skills throughout your life, which spurs the growth of new brain cells.

Meditate

The source notes researchers at Harvard found mindfulness-based stress reduction, a form of meditation, can help reduce harmful stress hormones linked to memory impairment.

Eat Mediterranean food

Studies conducted at Columbia University found that a diet filled with fish, vegetables, fruit, nuts and beans can help reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease by up to 48 percent.

Incorporate spices into your meals

Spices high in antioxidants, which might help brain power, should be incorporated into your diet regularly. Popular ones include, black pepper, cinnamon, oregano, ginger and basil.

Gain purpose in life

Having goals throughout life can help also help one avoid cognitive decline, according to a Rush University Medical Center Study. Make sure you have a reason to wake up and live life and you may find yourself living healthier.

Stay active socially

Staying active in social society provides emotional and mental stimulation that helps lower the risk of dementia, according to a study by the Karolinska Institute.

Take steps to avoid diabetes, obesity

Diabetes and obesity are often linked to Alzheimer's disease, so it is important to lead a healthy lifestyle to avoid these two conditions.

Take vitamins

Vitamin B12 is a key vitamin to take, as the Rush University Medical Center study showed adults with B12 deficiency scored lowest on cognitive tests. Therefore, it is imperative to make sure you avoid any vitamin deficiencies.