You can reduce your risk of Alzheimer's by 60% with five simple lifestyle changes, a new study shows. Researchers from Rush University in Illinois say that eating healthy, exercising regularly, limiting alcohol consumption, engaging in mentally stimulating activities, and avoiding smoking could dramatically lower the chances of developing dementia, The Washington Post reported.

Experts have long suspected that certain lifestyle factors were vital in reducing the risk of cognitive decline, but authors presenting their study Sunday at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference in Los Angeles were stunned by the findings of their study, which tracked nearly 3,000 participants over the span of a decade.

Central to the research were five lifestyle factors: diet, exercise, alcohol consumption, smoking, and cognitive stimulation activities. What researchers found was that people who ate healthy diets that limited red meat and alcohol, exercised for at least 150 minutes a week, did not smoke, and engaged in mentally stimulating activities like reading the newspaper or playing chess had a significantly lower risk of developing Alzheimer's.

They key is to adopt at least four of the five lifestyle changes.

"This demonstrates the potential of lifestyle behaviors to reduce risk as we age," said Heather Snyder, senior director of medical and scientific operations at the Alzheimer's Association, according to The Washington Post. "The fact that four or five lifestyle habits put together can have that kind of benefit for your brain is incredibly powerful."

Roughly 5.8 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's and that number is expected to rise to nearly 14 million by 2015, the Alzheimer's Association reported.

These latest findings could open doors in the race to prevention.

"My biggest takeaway is I encourage older people to consume more leafy green vegetables, replace red meat with poultry, and avoid as much as possible fried food," said Klodian Dhana, a Rush University professor and co-author. "Also, walk to the grocery store and read books!"

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