Is there anything each of us can do to protect our cognitive function or even reduce our risk of Alzheimer’s? Just as we have found ways to reduce heart disease risk, researchers increasingly think there may be steps we can take to ward off Alzheimer’s. Globally renowned researcher Dr. Laura Baker of the Wake Forest School of Medicine discusses the U.S. POINTER study, which she is leading and which is enrolling participants now. This exciting study will test whether changing one’s lifestyle involving physical exercise, diet and intellectual and social stimulation can protect cognitive function in adults 60-79 years old who may be at increased risk of cognitive decline and dementia. The U.S. POINTER study is part of a global collaboration that will build on similar studies in Finland (the FINGER study) and elsewhere and that will include other countries in the near future.