America’s Healthiest Brain States

1 minute read

The latest ranking of states with the best brain health are released, and Maryland gets top bragging rights.

The 2014 America’s Brain Health Index ranks states on 21 measures, including mental health, social well-being, and nutrition. Maryland is Number One for high consumption of fish–which is linked to better brain health–and low rates of Alzheimer’s deaths, and smokers. The state does not, however, have high levels of religious and spiritual activities, which are factored into the rankings.

Here are the top 10 states for good brain health:

  • Maryland
  • Washington
  • Colorado
  • Connecticut
  • Alaska
  • District of Columbia
  • Vermont
  • New York
  • New Hampshire
  • Georgia
  • And here are the 10 worst:

  • Mississippi
  • Alabama
  • North Dakota
  • Louisiana
  • Arkansas
  • Iowa
  • Indiana
  • Oklahoma
  • Tennessee
  • Kentucky
  • Check out more data about each state here.

    More Must-Reads from TIME

    Contact us at letters@time.com