In June, Focus on Alzheimer's

June is Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month, and it's a great time to shed light on the impact of Alzheimer's in our communities. About 6.5 million Americans age 65 years and older—or 1 in 9 people in this age group—live with Alzheimer's dementia (i.e., dementia due to Alzheimer's disease). This number is expected to grow as the baby-boom generation ages.

Alzheimer's is a progressive disease that causes problems with memory, thinking, and behavior in primarily older people. Average survival after diagnosis in people age 65 years and older is 4 to 8 years, but some individuals live up to 20 years with the disease. This takes a huge toll on both those living with Alzheimer's and those who care for them.

There are many ways to support people in your community who are dealing with the daily effects of Alzheimer's disease:

• Learn about the risk factors and incidence rates of Alzheimer's. Visit alz.org to read facts and figures, find resources for help, and learn about advocacy.
• Go purple in June to raise awareness. Wear purple, turn your Facebook page purple, and share your story on social media using the hashtags #ENDALZ and #GoPurple.
• Contribute your time or money to organizations that support people living with Alzheimer's, like the Alzheimer's Association, the Alzheimer's Foundation of America, or a local group.

For more information about what you can do in June to highlight Alzheimer's disease, visit https://www.alz.org/abam/overview.asp.

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