Nearly all Michigan seniors value brain health, but few act on it.
A January 2026 survey of Michigan residents aged 50 and older found that while nearly all respondents consider brain health important, fewer than half understand that lifestyle changes can reduce dementia risk. The poll also revealed low adherence to several key protective habits and infrequent discussions about brain health with healthcare providers.
Key Findings
The poll, conducted by the University of Michigan's Michigan Poll on Healthy Aging, surveyed 1,293 Michigan adults aged 50–93. Data were collected online and by phone in January 2026. Results were compared to a national sample of 2,808 non-Michigan adults aged 50–98.
Awareness and Perceptions
- Nearly all Michigan respondents aged 50 and older stated that brain health is very important as they age.
- 47% of respondents indicated they understand that everyday actions can be very important for reducing future dementia risk.
- 70% of Michigan respondents believe lifestyle factors are very important for maintaining brain health, compared to 76% nationally.
- Respondents rated the following factors as very important to brain health:
- Preventing head injury (80%)
- Managing stress, not smoking, and treating depression (71%)
- Controlling blood pressure (70%)
- Limiting alcohol (58%)
- Maintaining a healthy weight (57%)
- Managing cholesterol (54%)
- Addressing hearing loss (53%)
- Regional differences were observed: adults in the Upper Peninsula and northern Lower Peninsula were less likely to consider healthy behaviors very important for reducing dementia risk.
Adherence to Protective Habits
The poll found that half or fewer respondents reported practicing four key brain-protective habits daily or most days:
- Getting seven or more hours of sleep (54%)
- Engaging in mentally stimulating activities (48%)
- Eating a healthy diet (40%)
- Engaging in physical activity (36%)
Healthcare Provider Discussions
- Most older Michiganders expressed interest in learning about brain health from their healthcare provider.
- Only 23% of respondents reported they had discussed brain health with their provider.
- Among respondents aged 65 and older, 30% reported receiving a cognitive screening test in the past year.
Prevention Context
- 11% of Michigan residents over 65 have Alzheimer's disease or another dementia.
- Family and friends provide over 680 million hours of unpaid care annually to individuals with dementia.
- Researchers note that no cure exists for dementia, making prevention through lifestyle changes a key focus.
Expert Statements
The poll included statements from researchers affiliated with the University of Michigan.
Scott Roberts, Ph.D., associate director of the National Poll on Healthy Aging, stated that greater public education on brain health could encourage healthy habits. He also warned older adults against unproven products, such as supplements marketed for brain health.
Jeffrey Kullgren, M.D., poll director and primary care physician, stated that healthcare providers could do more to help patients understand the link between lifestyle choices and future brain health.
Roberts plans to discuss the findings at a June 30 webinar hosted by the Michigan Alzheimer's Disease Center.