Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month
June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month. While genetics and lifestyle choices do play a role, everyone is potentially at risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease (AD). That means each and every one of us can benefit from learning more about the disease and what lifestyle changes we can make to improve our overall brain health.
Alzheimer’s Disease
As cited on First Choice Neurology, Alzheimer’s disease is a degenerative brain disease that causes problems with memory loss and cognitive abilities. As researchers learn more, studies show that Alzheimer’s disease may begin 20 years or more before you notice symptoms. Symptoms begin to occur when the nerve cells in parts of the brain have been damaged or destroyed. Symptoms usually develop slowly and worsen over time, interfering with an individuals’ ability to perform everyday activities. Listed below are additional important facts and statistics to know about Alzheimer’s:
- 50 million people are living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias worldwide.
- Alzheimer’s is the 6th leading cause of death in the United States.
- Every 65 seconds someone in the United States develops Alzheimer’s disease.
- One in 10 people age 65 and older has Alzheimer’s disease.
- Two-thirds of Americans with Alzheimer’s are women
How to Get Involved
The Alzheimer’s Association is asking everyone to participate this June and wear purple, post photos on social media, and talk to your friends, family, and co-workers about Alzheimer’s to raise awareness for the disease. Remember to use the hashtags #EndAlzheimers #GoPurple #EndAlz
In addition, you can participate in The Longest Day campaign. On June 20, the summer solstice, people from across the world will fight the darkness of Alzheimer’s through an at-home or online fundraising activity of their choice. Whether you will be participating at home, online or in-person, The Alzheimer’s Association has plenty of fun ideas to engage family and friends in The Longest Day. Click here to learn more!
Stay tuned for our upcoming blog posts where we will go into detail on how to improve and maintain your brain health!
