This June during Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month, the Alzheimer’s Association® is encouraging all Americans to take charge of their brain health. 

 

Today, there are more than 7 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s. Two-thirds of Americans have at least one major potential risk factor for dementia. The brain changes that cause Alzheimer’s are thought to begin 20 years or more before symptoms start, which suggests that there may be a substantial window of time in which we can intervene in the progression of the disease.

 

Experts believe there isn’t a single cause of Alzheimer’s. It’s likely the disease develops as a result of multiple factors. While not a direct cause of Alzheimer’s, the greatest known risk factor is advancing age. Although some risk factors like age can’t be changed, as many as 45% of dementia cases may be attributable to modifiable risk factors, such as high blood pressure and lack of physical activity. Research shows that adopting healthy behaviors — like getting exercise and good quality sleep — can improve your brain health and reduce the risk of cognitive decline.

 

Based on mounting scientific evidence, the Alzheimer’s Association encourages individuals to incorporate 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 and potentially 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 offers significant 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 us 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 for your 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 by participating 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. Visit alz.org/educationalprograms. 
  • Volunteer with us: As an Alzheimer’s Association volunteer, you can help people in your community take steps to reduce their dementia risk and recognize the signs of Alzheimer’s. Visit alz.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 individuals living with cognitive impairment, Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia, caregivers and healthy 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. 
 

We are proud to partner with the Alzheimer’s Association in the fight against Alzheimer’s and other dementia. To learn more visit alz.org/abam.