A Look at Brain Health During Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month
June is Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month—and at the Neighborhood Christian Clinic, we’re inviting our community to take a closer look at brain health through both a medical and spiritual lens.
Have you ever walked into a room and forgotten why you were there?
Or found yourself struggling to recall a name that used to come easily?
It happens to all of us. But as the years go by, these moments can start to raise bigger questions:
“Is this just aging? Or is it something more serious?”
As a healthcare professionals that walk alongside patients through many stages of life, we want to speak to that concern today. And as followers of Christ, we want to affirm: your mind is not separate from your spirit. Both are sacred. And both are worth tending with care.
Where Faith Meets Brain Science
God designed our brains to be dynamic. They can grow, adapt, and heal in remarkable ways. And they also reflect the rhythms of the lives we live—physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
So yes, some memory changes are natural with age. But others may be early warning signs of cognitive decline or neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.
The key is to pay attention early—and to act with wisdom and hope.
Warning Signs Worth Noticing:
Difficulty planning or solving problems
Trouble completing familiar tasks
Confusion with time or place
New problems with words or writing
Changes in mood or personality
It’s not about panicking. It’s about being proactive. The earlier we recognize a shift, the more we can do to support brain health.
What You Can Do for Better Brain Health
Here are 5 evidence-based and spiritually enriching ways to protect your brain:
Feed your mind and body. Eat leafy greens, berries, fish, and whole grains. Hydrate well.
Stay engaged. Read Scripture, do puzzles, attend Bible study, or try learning a new skill.
Move regularly. Walking just 30 minutes a day can reduce cognitive decline.
Rest and reflect. Sleep restores brain function. Prayer and meditation calm and strengthen the mind.
Stay connected. Isolation harms the brain. Being in community strengthens it.
Faith Is Fuel
James 1:5 tells us, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault.” That promise isn’t just spiritual—it’s practical. Wisdom is how we recognize that caring for our brains is part of caring for the lives God gave us.
Take a Next Step
If you’re wondering whether your memory changes are normal, or if you’re concerned for a loved one, we recommend this free and science-backed tool:
Take the Cogniciti Brain Health Assessment: https://cogniciti.com/Test-Your-Brain-Health/Brain-Health-Assessment/Start-Assessment-Step-1
It’s fast, confidential, and offers results you can share with your doctor if needed. Perfect for adults 40–79.
At The Neighborhood Christian Clinic, we believe in caring for the whole person: mind, body, and spirit. It’s how Jesus cared for people. It’s how we care for our patients, and for you!