Brain Health Navigator
Helping you take care of your brain health early
The Brain Health Navigator Program at IU Health helps people who have memory concerns. Our goal is to find signs of brain health issues early and make sure you get the right care, at the right time.
If you are referred to this program, one of our navigators will do a complete brain health check and help you and your doctor decide what steps to take next.
You may keep working with your regular primary care provider, or you might be referred to a specialist, such as geriatrics or neurology.
What to Expect
Step 1
Referral & Scheduling
Your provider may refer you to the Brain Health Navigator program if you:
• Have trouble remembering things
• Struggle with focus or everyday tasks
• Had a brain health screening that showed concerns
• Have a family history of dementia
• Have risk factors for memory loss (like certain health conditions or medications)
Once your referral is received, our team will contact you to schedule a visit. This visit can be in person or online.
Step 2
Brain Health Check-Up
At your visit, you will meet with a nurse trained in brain health, one of our Brain Health Navigators. They will:
• Ask questions to check your memory and thinking
• Look at your medical history, test results, and medications
• Talk with you about how your habits and lifestyle may affect your brain health
Step 3
Your Care Plan
After the visit, the brain health navigator will:
• Share ways to keep your brain healthy
• Recommend what to do next
• Send a note to your provider with the results
• Help connect you with research studies or community programs if interested
Frequently Asked Questions
Who should be referred to the Brain Health Navigator program?
Anyone who is worried about their memory or had a brain health screening that showed concerns may benefit from this program. If you are not sure, ask your provider if this program is right for you.
Is there a cost for this visit?
For many people the visit with a navigator will not cost anything, but it depends on your health insurance. When scheduling the Brain Health Navigator visit you can ask if there will be any cost for you.
How is this different from seeing a neurologist?
The Brain Health Navigator gives your provider more information about your brain health. We help your primary care provider by doing a deeper brain health check to see if you need more tests or should see a specialist. If needed, we help with a timely referral to neurology, geriatrics, or another specialist.
Can this program help with Alzheimer’s treatment?
Yes. If we find signs of memory problems, we can help see if you qualify for new treatments for Alzheimer’s disease and connect you to the right care.
How do I schedule an appointment?
Ask your IU Health primary care provider for a referral to the primary care Brain Health Navigator. Once we get the referral, we will contact you to schedule an appointment.
Contact Us
If you are concerned about your memory or brain health, talk to your primary care provider. They can help decide if a Brain Health Navigator appointment is right for you.
The program is only available by referral from your IU Health primary care provider. In some cases, IU Health patients may be contacted about the program before an upcoming visit with their primary care provider.