Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month

By Irene Gonzalez, LSW

The month of June is recognized by the Alzheimer's Association as Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness month. Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative disease which affects 6.5 million Americans aged 65 and older. This figure is expected to more than double by 2050.

Important facts:

• 1 in 9, age 65+ has Alzheimer’s Disease or another form of dementia.

• Of the 6.5 million 65 and older living with Alzheimer’s in the United States, 4 million are women and 2.5 million are men.

• Alzheimer’s disease remains the fifth-leading cause of death among individuals age 65 and older.

• Caregivers are affected too: more than 11 million Americans care for friends or family with Alzheimer’s or dementia, estimating 16 billion hours of unpaid help annually.

Alzheimer’s dementia is often an underdiagnosed disease. Many individuals with

Alzheimer’s may not know they have it, particularly if cognitive decline is presented as the “normal aging process”. People experiencing cognitive changes should seek medical help for formal testing. Testing can differentiate typical age related brain changes versus Alzheimer's and other dementias. Medications can temporarily treat Alzheimer’s symptoms but do not alter the underlying brain changes of Alzheimer’s or change the course of the disease.

HOPE Hospice not only understands the ways Alzheimer's and other related dementia’s can impact the quality of life of a patient, but also the impact of caregiving on caregivers. Our skilled clinicians work together to create a care plan that is individualized to help support patients and families needs.

The Alzheimer's association created 10 ways to love your brain as a guide to help reduce cognitive decline. For more information about detection of Alzheimer’s and other dementias, contact your primary care physician today.

June is Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month: 5 Things You Need to Know

Alzheimer's Association - facts & figures