This Article is brought to you for free thanks to Community Health and Wellness Partners.
June is Alzheimer's Awareness Month, a time to shed light on one of the most common and life-altering diseases affecting families across our country. More than 6 million Americans are currently living with Alzheimer's disease, and millions more serve as caregivers for someone they love.
There are things we can do to keep our brains healthy, and this is the perfect time to get started.
At Community Health & Wellness Partners (CHWP), the mission is to care for the whole person, which includes body, mind, and spirit. Brain health and overall wellness are connected. This month, learn practical habits to protect your brain and what to do if you have concerns about yourself or someone you love.
Habits That Protect Your Brain
Get moving. Regular aerobic exercise raises your heart rate and increases blood flow to the brain. Walking, dancing, or gardening; find what works for you and build it into your routine.
Eat right. A diet rich in vegetables, lean proteins, and minimally processed foods supports long-term brain health. Small, consistent changes to what you eat add up over time.
Sleep well. While sleeping, the brain clears out waste products. Aim for seven to nine hours of restful sleep, limit screen time before bed, and talk to your provider if you suspect sleep apnea or sleep difficulties.
Challenge your mind. Be curious. Learn something new, try something artistic, or take on tasks that stretch your thinking. Mental engagement has both short and long-term benefits for your brain.
Control your blood pressure and manage diabetes. Working with your healthcare provider to manage these conditions is one of the most impactful steps you can take for your brain.
Maintain a healthy weight and be smoke-free. Excess weight and smoking are both associated with increased dementia risk. The CHWP care team can support you in making sustainable progress toward both goals.
Protect your head. Wear a helmet when biking or playing sports, buckle your seatbelt every time, and take steps to prevent falls, especially for older adults. Brain injuries, even seemingly minor ones, can have lasting effects.
What to Do if You Are Concerned
Occasional forgetfulness is a normal part of life, but some changes in memory and thinking deserve a closer look. Signs it is time to talk to your healthcare provider include difficulty remembering recent events or conversations, trouble completing familiar tasks, confusion about time or place, challenges with language or judgment, and noticeable changes in mood or personality.
If you notice these signs, don't wait. Schedule an appointment with your primary care provider. Early detection matters. Treatment, planning, and connecting with support services can begin before a crisis occurs.
If you are concerned about a loved one, start with a caring, honest conversation. Let them know what you've observed and offer to accompany them to a medical appointment. Sometimes people are reluctant to acknowledge changes, and a trusted family member or friend can make a difference.
A provider may assess brain health through a cognitive screening, along with a review of medications that could be affecting brain function and check for other treatable conditions that can mimic dementia symptoms.
You Don't Have to Navigate This Alone
Community Health and Wellness Partners is committed to eliminating the barriers that stand between neighbors and the care they deserve. Integrated care brings together primary care, behavioral health, pharmacy services, and more in one place. Whether you are working to reduce your risk, seeking answers to a new concern, or supporting a loved one through a difficult diagnosis, their team will walk alongside you.
This June, take one step. Schedule a wellness visit. Start a new habit. Have the conversation you've been putting off. Brain health is worth the effort, and you don't have to face it alone.
To schedule an appointment or learn more, call (937) 599-1411 or visit CHWPcares.org.
