New studies presented at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference suggest that better lifestyle and diet habits could help individuals avoid Alzheimer’s.

According to USA Today, the first study found that exercise could help lower the risk of developing the disease. Researchers followed 1,200 elderly people over 20 years and found that those who had moderate to heavy levels of physical activity had about a 40 percent lower risk of developing any type of dementia.

The second study, which followed more than 4,800 participants for 14 years, suggested that drinking tea may help individuals avoid mental decline.

A third study found that individuals with insufficient levels of vitamin D were at higher risk for cognitive impairment. Data on more than 3,300 U.S. adults found that odds of cognitive impairment were about 42 percent higher in those deficient in vitamin D, and 394 percent higher in people severely deficient.

"These types of studies make people think, ‘Well gosh, maybe I can do something about this disease,’ " the Alzheimer Association’s William Thies told the newspaper.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, the disease currently impacts more than 5 million Americans.

The disease is often treated by both traditional drugs and vitamins and minerals. One study found that high doses of vitamin E supplements could help alleviate Alzheimer’s symptoms.