MICHIGAN — New survey findings from the Michigan Poll on Healthy Aging indicate disparities in brain health knowledge and practices among older Michigan residents. Nearly all in this age group reported that maintaining brain health while aging is very important.

Despite this, 47% know that everyday actions are important for reducing future dementia risk. Half or fewer practice at least one of four daily habits that protect brain health: getting seven hours of sleep (54%), engaging in mentally stimulating activities (48%), eating a healthy balanced diet (40%), and getting daily physical activity (36%).

70% of older Michigan adults believe lifestyle factors are very important for maintaining brain health, compared to 76% of adults in other states. Adults in the Upper Peninsula and northern Lower Peninsula were less likely to believe healthy lifestyle behaviors reduce dementia risk. Preventing head injury was rated as very important by 80%. Managing stress, not smoking, and treating depression were each rated very important by 71%, while 70% rated controlling blood pressure as very important.

Most older Michigan residents expressed a desire to learn more about brain health from their healthcare providers. However, 23% have discussed brain health with their providers. Separately, 30% of residents aged 65 and over have received a cognitive screening test in the past year. Universal cognitive screening for individuals over age 65 has not been recommended by all national organizations.

Scott Roberts, Associate Director of the National Poll on Healthy Aging and Professor at the University of Michigan School of Public Health, said, "Greater public education regarding brain health, building on efforts like the Alzheimer's Association's 10 Healthy Habits for Your Brain initiative, could go a long way in encouraging middle-to-older age adults in Michigan to develop healthy habits that reduce their risk of cognitive decline." Jeffrey Kullgren, Associate Professor of Internal Medicine at the University of Michigan Medical School and primary care physician at the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, said, "Our state's adult population has high rates of risk factors for dementia, and we need to work together to address them at every age."

The poll is based at the University of Michigan Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation. Roberts is scheduled to present more at a June 30 webinar hosted by the Michigan Alzheimer's Disease Center.

The poll surveyed 1,293 Michigan adults aged 50 to 93. These participants were compared to 2,808 non-Michigan adults aged 50 to 98. The survey was administered in January 2026.

No independent assessment was available for this report.