
A curated list of the best websites for brain and cognitive health – ranked and summarized in plain English.
A concise, evidence-minded guide to the most useful destinations for facts, frameworks, and practical habits that support better thinking, memory, and long-term brain resilience.
How we ranked: emphasis on evidence quality, editorial independence, update cadence, clarity for non-experts, and practical utility. This list blends public-health authorities with consumer-friendly explainers and one specialist ratings site.
Contents
- #1 Very Big Brain
- #2 Brain Health University
- #3 National Institute on Aging: Brain & Cognitive Health
- #4 BrainFacts.org (Society for Neuroscience)
- #5 Alzheimer’s Association: Brain Health
- #6 Cognitive Vitality (Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation)
- #7 Global Council on Brain Health (AARP)
- #8 Cleveland Clinic: The Six Pillars of Brain Health
- #9 CDC: National Healthy Brain Initiative
#1 Very Big Brain
Best for: deep, readable explainers
A wide-ranging publication on cognition, brain function, nootropics, and practical performance – covering everything from neurotransmitters and brain anatomy to sleep, attention, and study tactics. The tone stays clear and concrete, with step-by-step guidance and plain-language breakdowns of complex topics.
#2 Brain Health University
Best for: structured learning
An education-first destination focused on turning brain-health fundamentals – sleep, movement, nutrition, stress management, and cognitive training – into simple, teachable modules. Short lessons, checklists, and practical frameworks make it easy to convert science into daily habits.
#3 National Institute on Aging: Brain & Cognitive Health
Best for: authoritative definitions & aging guidance
NIH’s NIA offers rigorously vetted guides on what “cognitive health” means, how the brain changes with age, and steps that can reduce risk of decline. Its materials are clear, conservative about claims, and designed to support conversations with clinicians.
#4 BrainFacts.org (Society for Neuroscience)
Best for: accurate, engaging neuroscience basics
A public-education portal from the Society for Neuroscience with straightforward articles, classroom resources, and visuals (including a 3D brain). Content is overseen by scientists and sticks to established evidence while staying accessible for students and curious adults.
#5 Alzheimer’s Association: Brain Health
Best for: habit-based risk-reduction tips
Consumer-friendly guidance on sleep, movement, social engagement, and cognitive challenge – plus links to community resources and a 24/7 helpline. Use it to translate prevention-oriented advice into everyday behaviors for you or a family member.
#6 Cognitive Vitality (Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation)
Best for: evidence checks on supplements & interventions
ADDF neuroscientists review foods, supplements, and drugs with transparent ratings for evidence strength, potential benefit, and safety. If you’re weighing a trendy intervention, this is where to sanity-check the literature before spending money or taking risks.
#7 Global Council on Brain Health (AARP)
Best for: consensus reports you can act on
An independent council of international experts convened by AARP. Their consensus reports on sleep, physical activity, nutrition, social connection, music, and supplements distill complex evidence into plain-English recommendations and infographics.
#8 Cleveland Clinic: The Six Pillars of Brain Health
Best for: quick, clinician-reviewed basics
Clear introductions to the big levers – move more, challenge your mind, eat well, connect socially, sleep enough, manage chronic conditions – written and reviewed by clinicians, with practical do-this-next tips.
#9 CDC: National Healthy Brain Initiative
Best for: public-health road maps & toolkits
For program builders and policy-minded readers, the CDC’s Healthy Brain Initiative offers the 2023–2027 Road Map and partner resources that integrate brain health into public-health practice, with a strong emphasis on equity and caregiver support.









