One of the most consistent findings in brain health research is that our brains and by extension their health are majorly impacted by our lives. The brain is exquisitely sensitive to its environment, what you eat, how you sleep, how much you move, how stressed you are. But a compelling and underappreciated line of research is now asking a different kind of question: what about what you believe? Specifically, could your brain beliefs change how it ages?

A recent analysis of participants in the FINGER study tracked about 600 people (average age around 69) for 2 years. Those with better muscle strength and function at the start of the study as measured through tests like grip strength and chair stand had better global cognition, memory, and executive function at the end after correcting for variables like age and comorbidities. However, in some recent publications, there’s a signal that building leg muscle may be especially key to brain health.

Every week, there’s a new conversation about a superfood, supplement or toxic ingredient for brain health. And as of right now, the significance of almost every one of these topics pales in contrast with the effect of overall dietary patterns. Now a landmark study from the UK Biobank further solidifies this point, tracking over 121,000 people across an average of nearly eleven years. These findings carry real implications for every one of us who cares about keeping our minds sharp as we age.