OWC Health Awareness Series: Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month

June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, a global opportunity to focus on cognitive health and the profound impact of dementia. While Alzheimer’s disease is often viewed strictly as an issue for older populations, its ripple effects are felt deeply within the active workforce. For international employers, understanding these impacts is crucial. The burden of caregiving, the rising incidence of early-onset dementia, and the importance of preventive brain health all intersect with employee wellbeing and productivity.

Globally mobile employees face unique pressures that can compound the challenges of cognitive health. Navigating a family member’s diagnosis from afar, or managing one’s own health in an unfamiliar medical system, adds significant stress. By promoting brain health awareness and ensuring robust support structures, employers can help their workforce navigate these complex realities.

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Understanding the scale of the challenge

The statistics surrounding Alzheimer’s and dementia highlight a growing global health crisis. The World Health Organization estimates that over 55 million people worldwide are living with dementia, a number projected to reach 78 million by 2030. In the United States alone, the Alzheimer’s Association reports that more than 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s in 2026.

The impact on the workforce is substantial, primarily through the burden of caregiving. Nearly 13 million Americans provide unpaid care for people with Alzheimer’s or other dementias. In 2025, these unpaid caregivers provided more than 19 billion hours of care. Research indicates that caregiving reduces work productivity by one-third on average, costing an estimated US$5,600 per employee annually. For expats, the inability to provide direct care due to geographical distance often results in severe emotional distress and presenteeism.

💡Did you know? The Alzheimer’s Association’s 2026 special report found that 99% of Americans value brain health equally or more than physical health, yet only 9% say they know a lot about ways to maintain it. Furthermore, 75% believe lifestyle behaviours are important for brain health, but less than half strongly connect these behaviours to reducing dementia risk.

What you can do: promoting brain health

The Alzheimer’s Association emphasises that everyday actions can have a lifelong impact. While age is the greatest known risk factor for Alzheimer’s, research suggests that up to 45% of dementia cases are potentially preventable by addressing modifiable risk factors.

• Adopt healthy habits: The Alzheimer’s Association promotes 10 Healthy Habits for Your Brain, which include staying physically active, eating a balanced diet, getting adequate sleep, and staying socially engaged.
• Manage cardiovascular health: What is good for the heart is good for the brain. Managing blood pressure, preventing or managing diabetes, and quitting smoking are critical steps in protecting cognitive function.
• Prioritize early detection: Early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or another dementia offers significant benefits, including greater access to treatment options and the ability to plan for the future. If you notice cognitive changes in yourself or a loved one, consult a healthcare professional.
• Utilize the Brain Health Habit Builder: The Alzheimer’s Association offers a free tool to help individuals assess their current habits and create a science-backed action plan to protect their brain.

READ MORE >> Why Annual Health Check-Ups Should Be a Must-Have for Your Expat Team

How employers can support brain awareness

Employers play a vital role in supporting employees who are navigating cognitive health challenges, whether as patients or caregivers.

• Provide caregiver support: Acknowledge the hidden burden of caregiving. Offer flexible working arrangements, compassionate leave, and access to Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs) that provide counselling and practical support for caregivers.
• Promote brain health education: Use internal communication channels to share resources from the Alzheimer’s Association, such as the 10 Healthy Habits for Your Brain. Encourage employees to participate in the (re)think your brain™ 6-Step Challenge.
• Review insurance coverage: Ensure your international health insurance plan provides comprehensive coverage for neurological assessments, early detection screenings, and ongoing care for cognitive conditions.
• Normalize the conversation: Create a workplace culture where employees feel comfortable discussing cognitive health and caregiving responsibilities without fear of stigma or professional repercussions.

Resources: employee Toolkits/Educational materials

Alzheimer’s Association >> 2026 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures

Alzheimer’s Association >> 10 Healthy Habits for Your Brain PDF Flyer

Alzheimer’s Association >> Brain Health Habit Builder Online Tool

World Health Organization >> Dementia Fact Sheet

Common social media hashtags: #ENDALZ #AlzheimersAwarenessMonth #BrainHealth

Why brain health matters for employers

The intersection of cognitive health and the workplace is becoming increasingly prominent. As the workforce ages and the prevalence of dementia rises, employers will face growing challenges related to productivity loss, caregiver burnout, and healthcare costs.

Organizations that proactively address brain health and support caregivers will be better positioned to retain talent and maintain a resilient workforce. At One World Cover, we help international employers design health insurance and benefits plans that address the complex realities of cognitive health and caregiving. If you would like to discuss how your current plan supports these critical areas, our team is here to help.

** Important Note: While we help guide members to high-quality options, OWC Care does not act as a medical referral service. The final decision on where to seek care rests with the individual. We are not liable for any decisions made by the member or the medical provider.