November is National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month

Most of us know someone who has been impacted by Alzheimer’s disease, whether it has touched our own family or a friend’s loved ones. National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, which occurs every November, was established to increase awareness and honor the millions of Americans and their families living with Alzheimer’s, through advocacy for a cure, awareness and education.

Recognizing the need for heightened awareness of this disease, President Ronald Reagan made this designation in 1983. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, there were less than two million Americans with Alzheimer’s disease at that time. The number of Americans living with Alzheimer's is growing — and growing fast. More than 6 million Americans of all ages have Alzheimer's. Alzheimer’s Disease, a form of dementia, impacts memory, thinking and behavior. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), currently more than 55 million people worldwide live with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia and every year there are nearly 10 million new cases.

National Alzheimer’s Disease Month, reminds us to learn the symptoms, treatments, and latest research, as well as how you can help. Whether it’s during November or any other time of the year, understanding Alzheimer’s Disease impacts and enhances the quality of life for those individuals living with Alzheimer’s Disease and/or other related dementias and their caregivers.

A Proclamation on National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month 2023

Few ways in which we can observe National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month

Join a Memory Walk – The Alzheimer’s Association is sponsoring memory walks all over the country. Thousands of people come together to raise funds in support.

Get Screened – The National Memory Screening Program provides memory screenings–administered by qualified healthcare professionals–to individuals across the country. The memory screening is a series of questions and/or tasks and can indicate if someone might benefit from a comprehensive medical evaluation. It is not used to diagnose any particular illness and does not replace consultation with a physician or other clinician.

Listen to the stories of people with lived experience - The best way to understand the impact of dementia, and the need for further help and support, is to hear directly from people with lived experience of it.

Donate – Your dollars are critical in the search for a cure.

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