When is National Alzheimer’s Month?

November is recognized as Alzheimer’s Awareness Month — a time dedicated to raising awareness, honoring those impacted, and supporting the more than 6.2 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease.

Quick Facts About Alzheimer’s

  • Over 6 million Americans currently live with Alzheimer’s, with nearly 3 million new cases diagnosed each year.
  • Alzheimer’s is deadlier than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined.
  • The disease is most prevalent among women and Black Americans.
  • More than 11 million Americans provide unpaid care for loved ones living with Alzheimer’s.
  • Fewer than 1 in 5 Americans are familiar with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), which may be an early stage of Alzheimer’s.

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive, fatal brain disorder that is not a normal part of aging. Researchers believe it’s largely caused by the buildup of misfolded proteins between brain cells, which damages neural connections. This damage often begins 10 or more years before symptoms appear.

Monitoring yourself and loved ones for early warning signs of MCI can be an important step in getting treatment and planning care.

Symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease

  • Memory loss
  • Poor judgment and risky decisions
  • Loss of initiative or spontaneity
  • Taking longer to complete daily tasks
  • Repeating questions
  • Difficulty managing money or paying bills
  • Wandering or becoming lost
  • Misplacing items in unusual places
  • Mood and personality changes
  • Increased anxiety or aggression
  • Trouble with language

Signs of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)

  • Frequently losing items
  • Forgetting appointments or events
  • Greater difficulty finding words compared to peers

Treatment and Research

If you notice symptoms of Alzheimer’s or MCI, schedule an evaluation with a healthcare provider. While there is currently no cure, treatment may include:

  • Medications
  • Lifestyle management strategies
  • Enrollment in clinical trials

Ongoing research continues to bring hope for earlier detection, better management, and future prevention.

How We Can Help

At Personal Senior Care Homes, our residents are our top priority. With compassionate care and a personalized approach, we help individuals with Alzheimer’s and dementia live with dignity and comfort.

Please contact Steve Brock at 513-505-5018 for more information or to schedule a personal tour.

Sources: Johns Hopkins University; Alzheimer’s Association