As a trusted healthcare partner for Miami-Dade County, Aetna® is supporting Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month by connecting residents with education, early detection resources, and the preventive care benefits that can make a real difference
June is Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month — a nationally recognized campaign that calls on communities to shine a light on Alzheimer's disease, the most common form of dementia, and take meaningful action through education, early detection, and preventive care. Across Miami-Dade County and South Florida, Aetna® is actively working to make sure every member of this community has the tools, resources, and support they need to protect their brain health — today and for decades to come.
More than 6 million Americans are currently living with Alzheimer's disease, and Florida has one of the highest rates of Alzheimer's in the nation. That means this disease is not a distant concern for South Florida residents — it is affecting our neighbors, our coworkers, and our families right now. Aetna is committed to being a trusted partner for Miami-Dade County in addressing this reality head-on through preventive healthcare, member wellness programs, and ongoing community awareness efforts.
Aetna's Commitment to Miami-Dade County
Aetna brings more than coverage to the Miami-Dade community — it brings a genuine commitment to community wellness. Aetna members have access to a broad range of preventive healthcare benefits, wellness education resources, and support programs designed to help them live healthier, longer lives.
During Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month, Aetna is specifically encouraging members to take advantage of covered preventive screenings, annual wellness visits, and behavioral health services that can play a meaningful role in early detection and long-term cognitive wellness. Aetna also offers members access to online wellness tools, health coaching resources, and mental health support programs.
What is Alzheimer's Disease?
Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurological disorder that causes the brain to shrink and brain cells to die over time. It is the most common cause of dementia — a continuous decline in thinking, behavioral, and social skills that disrupts a person's ability to function independently. While Alzheimer's is most commonly associated with older adults, it is not a normal part of aging, and early-onset Alzheimer's can affect people in their 40s and 50s.
The disease progresses through stages, from mild memory lapses in early stages to severe cognitive and physical impairment in later stages. There is currently no cure for Alzheimer's disease, which is why prevention-focused awareness, early detection, and proactive care are so critical — and why Aetna is committed to supporting Miami-Dade County members at every stage of that journey.
Recognizing the Early Warning Signs — Why It Matters
One of the most powerful messages of Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month is that early detection matters. Catching signs of cognitive decline early gives individuals, families, and healthcare providers more time to plan, explore treatment options, and access support resources that can meaningfully improve quality of life. Aetna encourages members to speak with their primary care provider if they or a loved one experience any of the following warning signs:
- Persistent memory loss that disrupts daily life, especially forgetting recently learned information or important dates
- Difficulty planning or solving problems, such as following a familiar recipe or managing monthly bills
- Confusion with time, dates, seasons, or the passage of time
- Trouble understanding visual images or spatial relationships
- Difficulty finding the right words, stopping mid-sentence, or frequently repeating the same stories or questions
- Misplacing items and being unable to retrace steps to find them
- Increasingly poor judgment, including unusual financial decisions or neglecting personal hygiene
- Withdrawal from social activities, hobbies, work projects, or family gatherings
- Noticeable personality or mood changes, including increased anxiety, suspicion, depression, or confusion
Occasional forgetfulness — misplacing keys, temporarily forgetting a name — is a normal part of aging. Alzheimer's-related changes are more persistent, more disruptive, and more progressive. If you or a family member are experiencing these symptoms, Aetna encourages you to schedule an appointment with your primary care provider.
What Miami-Dade Residents Can Do Right Now
Age is the greatest known risk factor for Alzheimer's disease, with most diagnoses occurring after age 65. However, research consistently shows that lifestyle and health factors also influence risk. Conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, high cholesterol, and cardiovascular disease have all been linked to a higher risk of cognitive decline — and these are conditions that Aetna's preventive care benefits are specifically designed to help members monitor and manage.
Family history and genetics also play a role. Individuals with a parent or sibling diagnosed with Alzheimer's may carry a higher risk and should discuss that history openly with their healthcare provider. Aetna members are encouraged to bring up family health history during their annual wellness visit.
Schedule Your Annual Wellness Visit
Annual wellness visits give your primary care provider the opportunity to assess your overall health, review your risk factors, and ensure you are up to date on recommended preventive screenings. For Aetna members, this visit is typically covered at no additional cost. Use the Aetna member portal to find a doctor and schedule your visit.
Use Your Preventive Care Benefits
Aetna health plans include preventive care benefits that support long-term wellness, including screenings for cardiovascular health, diabetes, blood pressure, and cholesterol — all conditions connected to cognitive decline risk. Members are encouraged to review their plan benefits and take advantage of the preventive services available to them.
Access Behavioral and Mental Health Support
Chronic stress and untreated depression have both been associated with increased risk of cognitive decline. Aetna members have access to behavioral health and mental wellness resources, including counseling services and digital wellness tools. If you or a family member is experiencing emotional distress or symptoms of depression, reaching out for support is an important step.
Adopt Brain-Protective Daily Habits
Healthcare professionals consistently recommend the following lifestyle habits as part of a brain health strategy that may help reduce Alzheimer's risk over time:
- Regular physical activity — at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise per week
- A heart-healthy diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, fish, and healthy fats
- Quality sleep and consistent sleep routines, which support the brain's natural ability to clear harmful proteins linked to Alzheimer's
- Mental stimulation through reading, puzzles, or learning new skills
- Strong social connections and active participation in community life
- Effective stress management through mindfulness or professional mental health support
Supporting Families and Caregivers Throughout Miami-Dade
Alzheimer's disease does not only affect the individual diagnosed — it profoundly impacts families and caregivers as well. Aetna recognizes this reality and is committed to supporting not just patients but the families who stand beside them. Members navigating an Alzheimer's diagnosis — whether their own or a loved one's — are encouraged to contact Aetna to learn about care coordination resources, case management support, and community referral services that may be available through their plan.
Aetna's commitment to Miami-Dade is about investing in the long-term health and well-being of this community. During Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month and throughout the year, Aetna remains dedicated to delivering meaningful wellness education, accessible preventive care benefits, and compassionate member support to every person they serve across South Florida.
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