World Alzheimer’s Month: Memory Screens, Trails, and Caregiver Tools in Cincinnati
World Alzheimer’s Month: Local Memory Support Starts Here
Caring for a loved one with memory changes—or wondering when to start screening? This guide from Concierge Medicine of Cincinnati offers practical steps for families: quick memory screens, walking routes to support brain health, and caregiver tools that actually help.
Last Reviewed: September 09, 2025
Why World Alzheimer’s Month matters locally
Cincinnati families are already doing the quiet, everyday work of protecting brain health and caring for loved ones with memory changes. World Alzheimer’s Month is a chance to get proactive. At Concierge Medicine of Cincinnati, we make that easier with convenient cognitive screening, tailored exercise guidance, and hands-on coordination for caregivers. If you have wondered when to start, this is the month.
The goal: protect cognition and lighten the caregiver load
Intent: Help you protect cognition and support your family caregivers.
Common pain points we hear: It is hard to know where to start, which tests matter, and how to find trustworthy resources without spending your entire weekend researching.
Our solution: Quick, evidence-informed memory screens, a ready-to-walk list of nearby routes for low-stress movement, and a clear set of caregiver resources and referrals.
What to expect from a memory screen
A memory screen is a short visit that gives you a snapshot of thinking and memory. It is not a diagnosis. It is a smart first step.
During your screening visit, we typically:
Review personal and family risk factors, including blood pressure, sleep, exercise, medications, alcohol use, and hearing or vision changes.
Use a brief, validated tool to check memory, attention, and orientation.
Look for reversible contributors, such as thyroid issues, vitamin deficiencies, sleep apnea, depression, medication side effects, or unmanaged blood pressure.
Create next steps. This may include a follow-up screen to monitor trends, lab work, hearing or vision evaluations, brain-healthy lifestyle goals, or a referral to neurology or neuropsychology when necessary.
Who should consider screening: Anyone 65 and older, adults with a family history of dementia, people noticing changes in word-finding or short-term memory, and caregivers who want a baseline for a loved one.
What to bring: A current medication and supplement list, recent lab results if you have them, reading glasses or hearing aids, and the name of a trusted family member or friend we may include in planning if you wish.
Movement supports brain health. Here are easy local routes.
Regular walking can support cardiovascular health, mood, sleep, and overall brain wellness. To take decision fatigue out of the equation, here are simple routes near each of our three practice areas. Choose the option that fits your day and energy level. Always check park updates and weather, and walk with a partner when you can.
Near Mariemont
Ault Park trails. Short loops like Bur Oak and Ridge offer gentle elevation and shade. Start with an easy out-and-back and build from there.
Little Miami Scenic Trail access. Flat, paved mileage with multiple access points along the Little Miami River, including trailheads near Newtown and Terrace Park. Ideal for stroller or rollator use.
Near Kenwood
Sharon Woods. Scenic loops, fitness stations, and both paved and natural-surface paths. Suitable for a 15 to 30-minute reset or a longer weekend stroll.
Summit Park, Blue Ash. Wide paths and an easy-to-measure loop around the Great Lawn. Simple to scale up or down based on time.
Near Mason
Little Miami Scenic Trail via Loveland. Popular, mostly flat segment with shops and benches nearby for built-in breaks. Great for consistent, repeatable routines.
Glenwood Gardens. Open meadows and gentle trails for a peaceful change of scenery when you want something quiet but accessible.
Pro tip: Keep it easy and consistent. Aim for most days of the week. Ten minutes counts. Use a timer and walk five minutes out and five minutes back. Track your walks on a simple calendar. Small, steady movement is powerful.
Your Brain Health Toolkit for Everyday Life
From low-stress trail ideas to clear caregiver resources, this midlife-friendly guide takes the guesswork out of protecting memory. Get support that meets you where you are—without hours of research or confusing referrals.
Caregiver tools that actually help
Caregiving is meaningful and demanding. You deserve direct, local support.
Alzheimer’s Association Greater Cincinnati Chapter. Support groups, education, and local programs for individuals and caregivers. A reliable first call if you need a support group or class.
Council on Aging of Southwestern Ohio. Caregiver Support Program with respite options, training, and practical help to lower stress and improve safety at home.
Ohio Department of Aging, Area Agency on Aging locator. Call 1-866-243-5678 to connect with services in your county if you are helping a parent or relative outside Hamilton County.
We can also coordinate referrals to neuropsychology, neurology, physical therapy, occupational therapy for home safety evaluations, sleep medicine, audiology, and community programs. If you are not sure what to ask for, start with us. We will map it out together.
How concierge primary care makes this simpler
Members of Concierge Medicine of Cincinnati get more time with their physician, same-day or next-day appointments, and direct communication between visits. That matters when you are monitoring subtle cognitive changes or managing a complex care plan.
Here is how we reduce the navigation burden:
A clear plan. After screening, you leave with a short written plan that includes follow-up intervals, lab or imaging orders if needed, and simple weekly actions for brain health.
Care coordination. We schedule referrals and share relevant notes so you do not have to repeat the story at every visit.
Medication review. We look for medicines that may contribute to confusion or falls, and we coordinate changes carefully.
Lifestyle coaching. We help you build a realistic movement routine using the routes above, support sleep hygiene, and discuss nutrition patterns that fit your preferences.
Caregiver check-ins. With your permission, we include caregivers in goal setting and provide checklists they can use at home.
Your next three steps this month
Schedule a memory screen. Call 513-760-5511. If you are not sure whether to book for yourself or a loved one, book a short visit and we will guide you.
Pick a simple walking route. Choose one route from the list near your location and add two 10 to 20-minute walks to your calendar this week. Invite a friend or caregiver.
Save the caregiver resources. Add the local chapter and Council on Aging contacts to your phone. You do not have to wait for a crisis to reach out.
FAQ: Quick answers for Cincinnati families
When should I start cognitive screening?
Many adults begin baseline screening around age 65, earlier if there is a family history or if you notice changes in memory, multitasking, or word-finding. Screening earlier helps us catch reversible contributors and track trends over time.
Is a memory screen the same as a diagnosis?
No. A screen is a quick check to see if more evaluation is needed. If your score suggests further testing, we will coordinate the next step and stay with you through the process.
What if the screen is normal, but I am still worried?
We can repeat the test in several months, adjust medications if necessary, and focus on brain-protective habits such as maintaining good sleep, controlling blood pressure, using hearing aids if needed, and engaging in regular walking. The goal is prevention and early action.
How can concierge care support my role as a caregiver?
You get direct access to your physician for questions, help coordinating referrals, and practical guidance on safety, routines, and respite planning. That combination of access and coordination is designed to lower stress.
Make this the month you take action
World Alzheimer’s Month is about small, smart steps. Start with a memory screen, add two walks, and plug into caregiver support. Concierge Medicine of Cincinnati is here to make it all easier.
Locations: Mariemont, Kenwood, and Mason.
Call: 513-760-5511
Schedule: Visit Concierge Medicine of Cincinnati to request an appointment.
This content is for education and support. For medical advice that fits your health history, please speak with your physician.
