Misplacing your keys, forgetting someone’s name at a party, or coming home from the market without the most important item — these are just some of the many common memory slips we all experience from time to time. But such cognitive lapses don’t just plague middle-agers and seniors: Scientists can detect subtle changes in the brain that coincide with mental decline by the time we reach age 40, and findings show that people as young as 20 already have memory problems. Dr. Gary Small, author of 2 Weeks to a Younger Brain, discusses his research on brain aging and teaches some practical strategies and exercises for optimizing cognitive abilities, memory, and protecting brain health. These method not only improve memory, they also strengthen physical health by reducing risk for diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.