UnitedHealthcare encourages proactive steps to build brain health awareness and support families

In honor of Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, UnitedHealthcare is offering guidance on adopting habits to protect long-term cognitive health. While memory-related conditions like Alzheimer’s challenge many families, intentional lifestyle choices can reduce risk and preserve brain function. Building a foundation for mental clarity is possible by prioritizing small, consistent changes in physical health, social interaction, and sensory care.

“There is so much empowerment in knowing that we have control over so many of these factors,” said Dr. Mimi Kokoska, market chief medical officer for UnitedHealthcare Medicare & Retirement in Indiana, Kentucky and Alabama. “You do not have to wait for a diagnosis to start prioritizing your brain health. You can begin building those protective layers right now.”

UnitedHealthcare promotes consistent lifestyle habits to provide significant protection for long-term cognitive health. Maintaining social connections, engaging in regular physical activity, and pursuing mental stimulation — such as reading or learning new skills — all strengthen brain function. Implementing these manageable actions provides high-impact results for individuals of all ages.

“It is easiest to start simple,” Kokoska said. “Managing chronic conditions is really important. Regular checkups and preventative care help identify potential concerns early to keep people on track with their overall health. It does not mean that you have to do some major overhaul in your life.”

This effort is deeply rooted in the heart-brain connection. Managing cardiovascular conditions — such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol — serves as a critical protective measure. Consistent focus on these actions allows individuals to preserve cognitive health and lower their risks over time.

“We are seeing a paradigm shift where people are realizing that what is good for the heart is also good for the brain, and that the choices we make today set the stage for our cognitive future,” Kokoska said.

Early-onset Alzheimer’s and other memory-related conditions are a growing concern for modern generations, making preventative habits more vital than ever. Quality sleep serves as a fundamental pillar for brain health across all age groups. Deep sleep provides a critical period for brain cells to repair damaged DNA and recharge neural pathways. Consistent sleep cycles are therefore pivotal for maintaining cognitive function throughout a lifetime.

“Research now has shown that it is in the deep sleep that our brain cells are repairing their DNA, so when there is damage in the DNA, it is getting repaired during deep sleep,” Kokoska said. “This is actually underscoring the importance of sleep at any age.”

Auditory health also plays a significant role in maintaining brain function. Untreated hearing loss is a critical, often overlooked risk factor for dementia because it limits social engagement and can accelerate cognitive decline. UnitedHealthcare advises anyone who frequently asks others to repeat themselves or needs to increase the volume on electronic devices to consult a healthcare provider. Taking this proactive step ensures that hearing challenges do not become an unintended barrier to long-term cognitive health.

“The most fascinating thing about all that we have learned is the importance of hearing and trying to preserve your hearing for brain health,” Kokoska said. “Avoid loud noise damage and get adequate sleep — these have come to light in the last few years. It is truly a fascinating field.”

UnitedHealthcare encourages proactive care in managing Alzheimer’s and dementia. Affected families should strive to create a safe home environment, use clear communication, and prioritize caregiver well-being to avoid burnout. Early symptom identification and monitoring are vital because the progressive nature of the disease demands ongoing adjustments. UnitedHealthcare further supports cognitive health through community engagement, especially in highlighting opportunities like the Alzheimer’s Walk in Valparaiso this October.

“Brain health touches families across every community we serve, and Alzheimer’s is one of those diseases that affects not just the person living with it, but everyone who loves them,” said Mike Telesky, Vice President of sales, UnitedHealthcare Employer & Individual Plans of Illinois and Northwest Indiana. “That’s why we show up for causes like this. UnitedHealthcare will have a team in the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Bloomington, and I’d love for our neighbors across Northwest Indiana and the Chicagoland area to walk with us. Whether you join the team, make a donation, or simply share the story, every step helps fund the care, support, and research that move us closer to a world without Alzheimer’s.”

Ultimately, UnitedHealthcare promotes sustainable change through gradual adjustments rather than radical lifestyle shifts. Complex health goals can often fail when they require immediate, drastic transformations. By taking these small, incremental steps toward better heart health, sleep, and social engagement, individuals and families can build long-term neurological benefits.

“It is never too early or too late to start supporting your brain health,” Kokoska said. “Take small, steady steps. Stay connected, stay active, pay attention to your hearing, sleep well, and keep up with preventative care. It can really have a lasting impact.”

For more information on healthy aging and resources for Alzheimer’s caregiving, visit uhc.com. To make a meaningful impact and sign up for the Alzheimer’s Association Walk, visit alz.org/walk.