By Erica K. Salamida 

June is Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month, a time to focus on one of the most pressing public health challenges facing our aging population. The latest Alzheimer’s Association report shows that 7.4 million Americans age 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s dementia, and more than 13 million family members and friends provided an estimated 19 billion hours of unpaid care last year. These numbers reflect not only the disease’s continuing rise, but also the profound emotional, physical, and financial toll it exacts on families and communities. 

Encouragingly, this year’s special report—Brain Health in America: Understanding and Supporting Lifelong Cognitive Health—shows that while people care deeply about their brain health, many don’t know how to protect it. Nearly 88% of adults say maintaining brain health is very important, and virtually all consider it as important as physical health. Yet only 9% say they know a lot about maintaining it. This gap between awareness and action is significant—and it represents an opportunity. 

Many Americans understand that lifestyle behaviors such as diet, exercise, and sleep are important for overall health. About 75% recognize their role in maintaining brain health. However, only 46% link these behaviors to a reduced risk of Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Even more telling is the gap between knowledge and daily habits. While nearly everyone agrees that healthy behaviors matter, only half report getting enough sleep, fewer than 40% consistently eat a healthy diet, and just one-third engage in daily physical activity.  

New research also highlights a shift in how people view early detection. A study in Alzheimer’s & Dementia found that roughly 85% of older adults would be willing to take a blood test to detect early markers of Alzheimer’s disease if recommended by their physician—and many would proactively request it. This confirms that people want early, actionable information. Participants reported wanting more time to plan, earlier access to treatments, and steps that might slow progression. Most said they would adopt healthier behaviors or pursue interventions if results indicated elevated risk, and many expressed interest in clinical trials. 

This marks a meaningful shift. In the past, Alzheimer’s was often diagnosed later, when symptoms were more advanced. Emerging blood tests that detect amyloid and tau proteins are making earlier, less invasive detection more feasible. Although still being integrated into clinical care, these tests signal a move toward more proactive management. Importantly, even though many people expect emotional distress from a positive result, most still prefer knowing over uncertainty—underscoring a growing desire for clarity and control. That’s where lifestyle comes in. 

Research continues to show that what’s good for the heart is also good for the brain. While no single strategy guarantees prevention, experts say adhering to 10 consistent healthy habits can help significantly reduce risk and support cognitive health over time.  

  1. Stay physically active with exercise
  2. Prioritize quality sleep (aim for 7–8 hours nightly) 
  3. Eat a balanced, heart-healthy diet 
  4. Manage blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar 
  5. Stay mentally engaged by reading, solving puzzles, or learning 
  6. Maintain strong social connections 
  7. Avoid smoking and limit alcohol intake 
  8. Protect your head from injury 
  9. Manage stress effectively 
  10. Stay on top of routine medical care 

The report also shows a strong interest in programs that support brain health, with nearly 75% of adults saying they would participate. However, barriers remain. Cost is the top concern, followed by access, motivation, and insurance coverage, highlighting the need for community-based resources that are affordable, accessible, and sustainable.  

For healthcare providers, organizations, and communities, this is a call to action. Expanding education, improving access to prevention programs, and supporting early detection could significantly reduce the future burden of Alzheimer’s disease. For individuals, the message is empowering: it’s never too early—or too late—to take steps toward better brain health. 

As we recognize Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month this June, the goal is not just to raise awareness—but also to inspire action. Small, consistent lifestyle changes, combined with advances in early-detection tools, may help protect cognitive health for years to come, and that’s worth remembering. 

Erica K. Salamida is the Director of Community Engagement for the Coalition of New York State Alzheimer’s Association Chapters. For more information, please visit alz.org/healthyhabits or call 800-272-3900.