Alzheimer’s Awareness: Why it Matters and What You Need to Know

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, worldwide, more than 55 million people are living with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.

June is Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month, an opportunity to raise awareness of a condition that affects millions of people and emphasize the importance of brain health.

Understanding Alzheimer’s disease, learning how to support those affected, and promoting research are crucial to fighting this disease.

In this article, we’ll explore Alzheimer’s disease, the importance of Alzheimer's awareness month, and how you can get involved.

What is Alzheimer’s disease?

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disease that causes a slow decline in memory, thinking, reasoning skills, and cognitive abilities.

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, accounting for 60-80% of dementia cases.

The most significant known risk factor for Alzheimer's disease is age, with most cases affecting people aged 65 and older.

Early signs of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia to know

The early signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia include:

• Memory loss that disrupts daily life
• Challenges in planning or solving problems
• Difficulty completing familiar tasks
• Confusion with time or place
• New problems with words in speaking or writing
• Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps
• Poor judgment
• Withdrawal from activities or social connections
• Changes in mood and personality

Early detection of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia is vital for treatment and care. See your doctor if you notice any of these warning signs in yourself or a loved one.

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What you can do to promote brain health

Although Alzheimer’s disease research is ever evolving, there is evidence to support that you can reduce the risk of cognitive decline with lifestyle changes.

Here are ways to promote brain health:

• Adopt a heart-healthy diet with less processed food, more vegetables, leaner meats, and proteins
• Increase blood flow to your brain by providing additional nourishment with exercise