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Adults who consistently maintain healthy habits such as physical activity, a balanced diet, and social engagement show better cognitive performance compared to those who do not follow these behaviors. This is the conclusion of a new study by the BBHI, published in Frontiers in Psychology.

The research is based on data from over 1,500 participants in the initiative over a six-year period. Specifically, it analyzed their habits related to physical and cognitive activity, sleep quality, nutrition, alcohol and tobacco consumption, body mass index (BMI), psychological well-being, and frequency of social interaction, and compared them with the results of standardized neuropsychological tests.

The findings reveal that the most favorable profile —one characterized by a sustained trajectory of healthy behaviors across most lifestyle dimensions— is associated with better performance in cognitive functions such as memory, attention, processing speed, and executive function. These participants were not only more physically and mentally active, but also showed lower levels of stress, slept better, had more frequent social relationships, and followed healthier eating patterns.

At the opposite end, less healthy profiles —marked by sedentary lifestyles, poor diet, low social interaction, higher alcohol or tobacco consumption, and poor sleep quality— were associated with significantly lower cognitive scores.

Combination and consistency

Furthermore, the study observed that the healthier behaviors a person maintained over time, the better their cognitive test results. This reinforces the idea that lifestyle factors do not operate in isolation but enhance each other when combined. “What really makes the difference is the combination and persistence of several positive behaviors over time. It's not enough to have a good diet if it’s not accompanied by physical and social activity or quality sleep,” explains Alba Roca Ventura, BBHI researcher and first author of the article.

The study also found that, in general, cognitive performance remains stable during midlife, as most participants did not show significant decline during the follow-up period. “Midlife is therefore a key moment to take action, as the changes that take root during this stage can have a major impact on brain health in later life,” says Roca Ventura.

For all these reasons, the authors conclude that public health policies should proactively promote comprehensive, long-term approaches that encourage the maintenance of healthy behaviors. They also highlight the need to develop personalized strategies that can improve adherence and engagement with these behaviors throughout adulthood.