View Top 10 Rankings

District of Columbia
Call them the bookworm geographies, D.C. and Alaska are well-read, ranking top in the nation when it comes to reading for personal interest which helps keep the brain healthy.
- Brain Health Strengths
  High consumption of DHA omega-3 from fortified foods, supplements and fish rich in DHA
  Active readers and game players
  High consumption of fruits and vegetables
- Brain Health Challenges
  High rate of cardiovascular disease-related deaths
Maryland
Maryland residents keep their brains healthy by eating healthily. This state is one of the three top-ranked states when it comes to consumption of DHA omega-3 fortified foods and supplements.
- Brain Health Strengths
  High consumption of DHA omega-3 from fortified foods, supplements and fish rich in DHA
  Low incidence of Alzheimer’s disease-related deaths
  High involvement in religious/spiritual activities
- Brain Health Challenges
  Not active game players
  High prevalence of diabetes/gestational diabetes
Washington State
Keep up the good brain health habits, Washington! Washington is tied for 1st place along with the Northern New England states for eating the most fish rich in DHA per capita. Its residents also rank high for consuming DHA-fortified foods and supplements.
- Brain Health Strengths
  High consumption of DHA omega-3 from fortified foods, supplements and fish
  Active readers
  High breastfeeding rate
- Brain Health Challenges
  High incidence of Alzheimer’s disease-related deaths
  Low involvement in spiritual/religious activities
  Low-ranked education system
Vermont
A pat on the back for Vermont residents for using their brain power to do some good deeds. Vermont is tied with Montana for being the highest-ranking states in the area of community involvement including volunteerism.
- Brain Health Strengths
  High consumption of fish rich in DHA
  Active readers and game players
  High consumption of fruits and vegetables
  High community involvement including volunteerism
- Brain Health Challenges
  Low involvement in religious/spiritual activities
  High incidence of Alzheimer’s disease-related deaths
  Low consumption of DHA omega-3 from fortified foods and supplements
Connecticut
Connecticut geta an A in education. Making quality education a priority gives this state a brain boost.
- Brain Health Strengths
  High consumption of fish rich in DHA
  Low incidence of Alzheimer’s disease-related deaths
  Low smoking rate
- Brain Health Challenges
  Not active game players
  High prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease
Colorado
Coloradans are paying attention to their brain health. Colorado is the highest-ranking noncoastal state to consume fish rich in DHA.
- Brain Health Strengths
  High consumption of DHA omega-3 from fortified foods, supplements and fish rich in DHA
  Low prevalence of diabetes/gestational diabetes
  Low prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease
- Brain Health Challenges
  Low involvement in religious/spiritual activities
  High incidence of Alzheimer’s disease-related deaths
  Low rate of heatlh insurance coverage
Massachusetts
Highly insured: Massachusetts is tied with Hawaii for being No. 1 in the nation when it comes to health insurance coverage.
- Brain Health Strengths
  High consumption of fish rich in DHA
  High rate of insurance coverage
  Active readers
  Low smoking rate
- Brain Health Challenges
  Low involvement in religious/spiritual activities
  High prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease
New Jersey
New Jersey has the secret to better mental health. It has one of the lowest rates of serious psychological distress in the nation.
- Brain Health Strengths
  High consumption of fish rich in DHA
  Low incidence of Alzheimer’s disease-related deaths
  Highly ranked education system
- Brain Health Challenges
  High rate of diabetes/gestational diabetes
  Not active readers
Maine
Never bet a native Maine resident in a game of cards. The state ranks among the top two states that boost brain health through game playing.
- Brain Health Strengths
  High consumption of fish rich in DHA
  Active readers and game players
  High consumption of fruits and vegetables
- Brain Health Challenges
  Low involvement in religious/spiritual activities
  High incidence of Alzheimer’s disease-related deaths
New Hampshire
New Hampshire is one of three states with the lowest involvement in religious/spiritual activities.
- Brain Health Strengths
  High consumption of fish rich in DHA
  Active game players
  High consumption of fruits and vegetables
- Brain Health Challenges
  Low involvement in religious/spiritual activities
  High incidence of Alzheimer’s disease-related deaths

The 2009 State of America's Brain Health

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