If you're feeling fuzzy, it may be from stress, inflammatory diet, lack of physical activity (gotta get blood flowing to your brain), or chronic insomnia.

In addition, many lifestyle habits elevate blood pressure, impair brain cell and neuron activity, and interfere with executive function and memory.

That's why you want to make sure your blood pressure is healthy (aim for 115/70), you don't have gingivitis or periodontal disease, you correct vision or hearing problems promptly, and you are up-to-date with the two-part shingles vaccine.

Here are five basic steps you want to take:

1. Elevated blood pressure erodes the integrity of blood vessels in the brain, and that increases stroke risk and makes cognition problems around 10% more likely. Make sure to take your blood pressure medication, achieve a healthy weight, and perform regular exercise.

2. Gum disease increases inflammation and fuels cognition problems. Fortunately, one study found that people at high risk for Alzheimer's disease were able to reduce that risk by 32% with regular flossing, and by 28% with regular dental visits.

3-4. Loss of hearing or vision acuity dampens stimulation to the brain and reduces social interactions, both of which are known to impair cognition. Get tested. And if necessary, get corrected.

5. An unexpected benefit of the flu and shingles vaccines is a reduction of inflammation of nerves and blood vessels, including those in the brain, as well as decreasing the risk of Alzheimer's disease by 20%.

Put these five brain-protecting steps together, and you'll be doing a lot to keep your mind sharp at every age.

For more brain-boosting techniques, check out my book "The Great Age Reboot."