Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month highlights need for early detection and healthy habits
June is Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month, and the Alzheimer's Association is encouraging individuals and families across the country to take steps toward better brain health — and to join in the fight to end Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia.
More than 7 million Americans are currently living with Alzheimer's disease. Experts say that the brain changes associated with the condition can begin two decades or more before symptoms appear, providing a critical window for preventative action.
Although advancing age is the greatest known risk factor, many other risks are modifiable. According to the Alzheimer's Association, up to 45% of dementia cases may be linked to factors like high blood pressure, inactivity, and poor sleep.
Based on mounting scientific evidence, the Alzheimer's Association encourages individuals toincorporate these 10 Healthy Habits — such as challenging your mind and eating healthier foods — to help protect brain health.
Be Proactive in Addressing Brain Changes
Only half of those with Alzheimer's disease ever receive a diagnosis, delaying needed care andpotentially putting them at risk. Another important way to take charge of your health is to know the early warning signs of Alzheimer's and other dementia and be proactive in addressing them.
Early detection and diagnosis of Alzheimer's is more important than ever. Early detection offerssignificant benefits for the person diagnosed and their loved ones, including greater access to treatment options and the ability to plan for the future.
There are now treatments that can slow disease progression for people in the early stage of Alzheimer's, making a timely diagnosis critically important. If you or someone you know is experiencing memory or thinking problems, it's important to get it checked. Talk to your doctor so you can make an informed decision on available treatments to determine if they are right for you.
Join the Fight to End Alzheimer's
During Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month, the Alzheimer's Association invites everyone to join in the fight to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia. Here's what you can do:
● Adopt the 10 Healthy Habits: It is never too early or too late to start taking positive actions foryour brain. Visit alz.org/healthyhabits to learn more!● Go purple: Throughout the month of June, go purple — the color of the Alzheimer's movement — to raise awareness of the disease. Dress in purple and share your story on social media using the hashtag #ENDALZ.● Join the fight: Advance the care, support and research efforts of the Alzheimer's Association byparticipating in our fundraising events — Walk to End Alzheimer's®, The Longest Day® and Ride to End ALZ®. Visit alz.org/fundraisingevents.● Get information and support: Access education programs and dementia care resources. Visitalz.org/educationalprograms.● Volunteer with us: As an Alzheimer's Association volunteer, you can help people in yourcommunity take steps to reduce their dementia risk and recognize the signs of Alzheimer's. Visitalz.org/volunteer.● Advocate: Raise your voice — tell Congress to act today. Visit alz.org/congressconnects.● Accelerate research: It takes everyone to advance Alzheimer's and dementia research.Alzheimer's Association TrialMatch® is a free, easy-to-use service that connects individualsliving with cognitive impairment, Alzheimer's disease or another dementia, caregivers andhealthy participants with current research studies. Visit alz.org/trialmatch.● Donate: Empower people at every age and stage of life to take charge of their brain health —support the Alzheimer's Association! Visit alz.org/donate
Locally, the Abilene community will have a chance to support the cause during the Walk to End Alzheimer's, set for Saturday, Oct. 18 at 9 a.m. in Grover Nelson Park. The walk is the largest annual fundraising and awareness event for the Alzheimer's Association, taking place in more than 600 cities nationwide.
Throughout the month of June, the Association encourages supporters to 'go purple,' the official color of the Alzheimer's movement, and to share stories and photos online using the hashtag #ENDALZ. Individuals can also get involved through volunteer opportunities, advocacy efforts, or participation in clinical trials via the Association's TrialMatch program.
To learn more about Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month, available resources, and how to get involved, visit alz.org/abam or call 800-272-3900.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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