Half a million older Americans will be diagnosed with dementia this year. That represents a 42% jump in the risk that someone age 55 or older will develop the life-altering condition.

In fact, an NIH-sponsored study in the journal Nature Medicine reveals that half of all adults in the U.S. will experience cognition problems after age 55. And by 2060, there will be a million new cases of dementia each year.

Clearly, it's time to launch a whole-hearted battle against cognition problems and dementia.

Brain health depends on a healthy circulatory system and controlled lipid levels, lack of chronic stress and inflammation, as well as a healthy environment, life-long learning, and social connections (your posse).

That means you need a diet that delivers a daily dose of omega-3s (from fatty fish or supplements), lots of fresh fruits and vegetables loaded with fiber and phytonutrients, and vitamins D and B12.

Getting daily exercise also protects your cognition by dispelling stress, promoting epigenetic changes that stimulate the creation of neurons and enhance connections, and promoting the well-being of your organ systems.

Healthy sleep habits are essential as well. Go to bed around the same time nightly and sleep in a cool, quiet, dark room for six to eight hours.

Plus, you can dive into learning a new skill or hobby or playing brain games such as Double Decision. Do that with friends for even more benefits.

For more ways to promote life-long brain health, check out Dr. Mike’s "The Great Age Reboot" and "The Brain Diet" with Dr. Oz and neurologist Dr. Majid Fotuhi on Oprah.com.