June is Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month, and while the calendar is about to turn, the conversation around brain health is one worth having any time of year.
In a recent episode of Caregiving Conversations, a One America podcast, host Amy Chen sat down with Natalie Sutton, Executive Director of the Alzheimer's Association's Greater Indiana Kentucky chapter, to talk about what brain health really means and why it matters for caregivers and their loved ones alike.
The Science Has Changed
For years, an Alzheimer's diagnosis came with very little hope for changing its course. That's no longer the case. New treatments can slow the progression of the disease when started early, and a newly FDA-approved blood-based biomarker test is making earlier detection possible for those experiencing symptoms.
Even more encouraging: research now suggests that up to 40% of dementia cases worldwide may be preventable through lifestyle changes, and the earlier those habits start, the better.
A Simple, Four-Part Approach
The Alzheimer's Association's U.S. POINTER study, a large clinical trial, found that a few consistent habits can meaningfully reduce dementia risk:
- Eating a Mediterranean-style "MIND" diet
- Staying physically active
- Challenging the brain with new mental activities
- Monitoring related health conditions like blood pressure
The encouraging part? Participants didn't have to be perfect. Even a self-guided approach produced real results.
Resources for Caregivers, Too
Caregiving often means putting everyone else's needs first. But as Sutton put it, "you can't pour from an empty cup." The Alzheimer's Association offers free, around-the-clock support, including:
- A 24/7 helpline (1-800-272-3900) staffed by trained dementia experts
- The free Rethink Your Brain assessment at alz.org
- Local education programs like Empowered Caregiver
- The My Alz Journey app for personalized resources
Start Where You Are
Whether you're a Medicare client, a caregiver, or simply someone wondering about changes you've noticed in a loved one, the message from this episode is clear: brain health belongs to all of us, and it's never too early or too late to take a first step.
Planning Ahead, Together
At Laura Peery Agency, a Ramsey-Trusted Pro team, we see firsthand how closely brain health and long-term care planning are connected. A diagnosis like Alzheimer's can change a family's needs quickly, and having the right coverage in place ahead of time can make all the difference. We help families navigate Medicare, Long-Term Care insurance, Life Insurance, AD&D, and Annuities, so that when life changes, your plan already has you covered.
If you have questions about how long-term care planning fits into protecting your family's future, we're here to help.
Listen to the full episode of Caregiving Conversations here.
