If you’re worried about brain health – for yourself or your loved one – you’re not alone. Millions of people are asking the same questions: How can I keep my brain healthy? What should I do if I notice changes in my memory? How can I help an older loved one with changes in their memory?
I know, because I’ve wrestled with these questions too. When we started to notice changes in my mother-in-law’s memory, our family knew we had to help her – but we weren’t sure what was happening or what we should do next. Finding those answers and a diagnosis ended up taking years. It was a long, confusing, and frustrating journey.
But it doesn’t have to be. Our story, and millions of others, show why empowering people to focus on brain health is so important. It’s critical for people of all ages and all communities, but especially older adults and their families, elder caregivers, and those who have symptoms or a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease.
Brain Health Q&A Made Easy with BrainGuide™
Asking your brain health questions is always the first step. BrainGuide™ by UsAgainstAlzheimer’s has answers that may help. The platform offers confidential memory questionnaires and tailored resources, so that you take the best next steps with confidence, no matter where you are in your journey. Best of all, it’s free and easy to access, so you can find information when you need it.
We built BrainGuide with the help of people living with Alzheimer’s disease, as well as caregivers. Everyone wanted a friendly, safe place to learn more about their own brain health and get answers. We want BrainGuide to be that place.
BrainGuide is already helping people prioritize brain health for themselves and their families. Since its launch in early 2021, close to 200,000 people have used BrainGuide. It’s been featured by Mandy Moore on the TODAY Show and covered by journalists across North America.
This is all part of the growing focus on brain health around the world. As scientists deepen their understanding of the brain, we’re learning more and more about what we can do to keep it healthy.
Learn the brain health basics.
Brain health includes the everyday steps we can all take to keep our brains and our memory healthy, like diet, exercise, sleep, and controlling other conditions. Research shows that up to 40% of the risk for Alzheimer’s and dementia can be reduced with these kinds of factors. Read the “Keep Your Brain Healthy” section of the BrainGuide website to learn more.
Take simple steps to keep your brain healthy.
Once you’ve learned about brain health, make a plan for how to take control of yours. Simple changes can make a meaningful difference, and it’s never too early – or too late – to get started. Join the 30-Day Brain Health Challenge for ideas, tips, and reminders.
Start a brain health conversation with your doctor.
Your doctor can help you assess brain health, make a plan, and look into any changes to your memory or other signs of disease. If you’ve noticed these changes, it’s important to talk to your doctor right away. And if you haven’t, it’s still a good idea to proactively start the conversation about brain health. This resource can help you get ready.
Help your family members embrace their brain health.
You can be a brain health hero for your family. This is especially important if you’re worried about changes in an older person’s memory or behavior. You can help them look into the changes, talk to a doctor, and get help early – when it’s the most beneficial.
BrainGuide can help with all of these steps. It is free and easy to access online at www.mybrainguide.org and by phone at 855-BRAIN-411.
BrainGuide provides memory questionnaires that you can take on behalf of yourself or someone you care about. Once the questionnaire is complete, BrainGuide offers a set of tailored resources based on the answers you provided. Privacy is protected, and responses are not recorded or shared with anyone. BrainGuide does not provide a diagnosis. Only a doctor can do that with more information.
I wish this tool had been available when our family was facing Alzheimer’s disease. I believe it would have empowered us with information and made our journey easier and simpler. And I’m deeply proud that it’s now available to help people and families like ours.
With today’s new tools and information, you have the power to act on brain health for yourself and those you love. I encourage you to join the thousands of people who are taking control of their brain health or stepping up to help a family member by sharing this article and BrainGuideTM with them.
Brooks Kenny is the General Manager of BrainGuideTM and Executive Director of WomenAgainstAlzheimer’s.
Person-Centered Dementia Care
