Simple everyday actions can help you keep your brain healthy. That's the message from the Illinois Brain Health Project, a public health campaign to reduce cognitive across the state.
Rush, in collaboration with the Illinois Department of Public Health and the Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter, launched the project to help residents adopt healthy habits and reduce their risks of dementia.
"This project is really about giving every Illinoisan — in every neighborhood — the tools to take care of their brain health," said Jennifer Ventrelle, assistant professor and lead dietitian for the MIND diet and lifestyle research at Rush. "Small steps can make a big difference, and we want people to know that this is something they can start today, right where they are." Ventrelle is a member of the planning committee convened by the Alzheimer’s Association to inform the vision, strategy, and execution of the project.
Many people overlook or neglect their brain health until they experience cognitive decline, not realizing that simple, everyday actions can help keep their brains healthy. This campaign is designed to educate Illinois communities on the easy, everyday actions that support brain health—like physical activity, quality sleep, and cognitive activity—that are within everyone's reach. The goal is to make taking care of your brain easy and stress-free. The campaign is being shared through by digital ads and the yourbrainwillthankyou.com website.
“At Rush, we believe that brain health is not a luxury—it’s a right," said Augusto Miravalle, MD, multiple sclerosis and neuroimmunology division chief, Department of Neurological Sciences at Rush.
“Through this initiative, we aim to empower all Illinoisans, especially those in underserved communities, with practical tools and knowledge to protect their cognitive well-being," he said. “Small, consistent lifestyle changes can have a big impact, and we’re excited to help people take those first steps.”
More than 55 million people are living with dementia, with Alzheimer’s disease as the most common type, making up 60 to 70% of all cases. The number of people with dementia is expected to triple by 2050, reaching potentially 150 million globally. Approximately 230,000 people in Illinois are living with Alzheimer’s dementia, with that number expected to increase by 30,000 in 2025. Illinois is among the top states with Alzheimer’s cases due to its aging population.
"We are proud to partner on this innovative and memorable brain health awareness campaign,” said Sameer Vohra, MD, director of the Illinois Department of Public Health. “This campaign will promote the documented benefits of staying mentally and physically active and engaged. Dementia can be a devastating diagnosis for individuals and families, but there are steps you can take now to greatly reduce your future risk. Let’s do all we can to improve our brain health now and for our future."
“By focusing on reducing modifiable risk factors and promoting healthier lifestyles, this initiative has the potential to improve outcomes for individuals at risk of cognitive decline,” said Delia Jervier, regional vice president and Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter Executive. “The Illinois Brain Health Project represents a significant step forward in creating a healthier future for all Illinoisans.”
Key partners of the Illinois Brain Health Project
Organizations represented include the following:
AARP Illinois; Bright Star Community Outreach; Chicago Department of Family & Support Services; Chicago Urban League; CRIS Healthy Aging; Egyptian Area Agency on Aging; Enlace Chicago; Illinois Department on Aging; Illinois Public Health Association; Latino Alzheimer’s Coalition For Advocacy; Research and Education (LA CARE); Midwest Roybal Center for Health Promotion and Translation, University of Illinois Chicago; National Association of Hispanic Nurses’ Illinois OSF HealthCare; Rush University System for Health, and SHARE Network.
The initiative will rely on partnerships with these organizations to ensure effective and equitable outreach. All materials will be available in Spanish as well as English.
Advancing Brain Health across Illinois
The Illinois Brain Health Project underscores the commitment of the Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter and the Illinois Department of Public Health to addressing health disparities and supporting the well-being of underserved populations. By leveraging evidence-based strategies and fostering collaboration among health experts and community-based organizations, this initiative aims to create lasting change in brain health education and risk reduction.
For more information about the Illinois Brain Health Project, please contact Olivia Matongo at illinoisbrainhealth@alz.org.
