Brain Health Matters: A Resource Guide for Community Health Workers
- iphamorreale
- May 26
- 3 min read
By Casey Vitalez, Intern, Illinois Public Health Association
Community Health Workers (CHWs) understand that health does not exist in silos. For example, they know that nutrition affects chronic disease, housing impacts stress, and social connection influences mental wellbeing. Brain health is another critical piece of the wellness puzzle, and CHWs are uniquely positioned to bring it into community conversations.
Brain health includes memory, focus, emotional regulation, and cognitive functioning across the life course (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2024). It is shaped by chronic disease, lifestyle factors, sleep quality, stress, and social determinants of health, all areas where CHWs are already active.
Illinois Brain Health Snapshot
In Illinois, approximately 14.9% of adults ages 45 and older report cognitive decline, meaning they are experiencing increasing memory or thinking problems (Alzheimer’s Association, 2023).
Among those reporting cognitive decline in Illinois, about 40.5% have discussed it with a health professional, highlighting opportunities for CHWs to improve early recognition and referral pathways (Alzheimer’s Association, 2023).
An estimated 251,000 Illinois residents aged 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s disease, with significant impacts on families and caregivers across the state (Alzheimer’s Association, 2026).
There are also about 316,000 family caregivers in Illinois providing crucial support to people living with dementia, which represents an essential area for CHW outreach and support (Alzheimer’s Association, 2026).
Brain diseases like Alzheimer’s are a progressive and irreversible cause of cognitive decline that significantly affects activities of daily living (Illinois Department of Public Health, 2026).
A Standout Resource: Your Brain Will Thank You
One accessible, prevention-focused resource CHWs can share
with communities is:
Your Brain Will Thank You
This platform translates brain science into practical, everyday guidance that supports cognitive wellness across the lifespan (Your Brain Will Thank You, n.d.). CHWs can use these tools in workshops, newsletters, or one-on-one education to help neighbors make informed lifestyle changes.
How CHWs Can Support Brain Health
Connect Brain Health to Chronic Disease Management
Encourage people with hypertension to monitor their blood pressure.
Help them reduce their sodium intake.
Support individuals with diabetes in maintaining healthy blood sugar levels.
Help those with heart disease increase physical activity.
Promote Protective Lifestyle Behaviors
Share tips on eating brain-healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Encourage good sleep habits.
Suggest activities that challenge the mind, such as puzzles, reading, or social engagement.
Address Social Determinants of Brain Health
Connect someone to transportation for medical appointments.
Assist with accessing affordable healthy food.
Link individuals experiencing social isolation to community programs or senior centers.
Help patients find stable housing and financial assistance.
Increase Awareness of Screening & Support
Share simple screening tools, remind older adults to include memory checks during annual visits.
Connect families to dementia support groups.
Provide information about local resources such as caregiver services, community programs, and referral pathways.
The Bigger Picture
Brain health is not solely about preventing dementia, it is also about strengthening resilience, protecting cognitive function, and promoting overall wellbeing throughout life. Community Health Workers are essential to this effort. By weaving brain health into chronic disease education, nutrition outreach, and community support, CHWs can help ensure that healthier brains contribute to healthier communities.
Sources:
Alzheimer’s Association. (2023). Illinois cognitive decline fact sheet. https://www.alz.org/getmedia/f709d081-496c-4f84-ad87-4063fa54159c/Illinois-Cog-BRFSS-Fact-Sheet.pdf
Alzheimer’s Association. (2026). Alzheimer’s and public health action in Illinois overview. https://www.alz.org/professionals/public-health/state-overview/illinois
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Healthy brain initiative. https://www.cdc.gov/aging-programs/php/nhbi/index.html
Illinois Department of Public Health. (2026). Alzheimer’s disease information. https://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/alzheimers.html
Your Brain Will Thank You. (n.d.). Brain health resources. https://www.yourbrainwillthankyou.com/
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