Alzheimer’s awareness is highlighted across multiple times of the year, with both June and November serving as designated periods for public focus on the disease. This dual recognition arises from separate initiatives, each aiming to bring attention to the impact of this progressive neurological disorder. While both months share the common goal of education, they operate with distinct scopes and historical backgrounds.
The Difference Between June and November Awareness
November is formally recognized in the United States as National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month, a designation that carries significant historical weight. President Ronald Reagan officially proclaimed this awareness month in 1983, when public understanding was lower. November campaigns often focus on national policy, the historical struggle against the disease, and support for family caregivers.
June is championed as Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month, an initiative typically driven by the Alzheimer’s Association. This campaign adopts a broader focus that extends beyond the disease itself to encompass general brain health. The June observance often aligns with the global effort to raise awareness for all forms of dementia and is symbolized by supporters wearing purple.
The June campaign often culminates in “The Longest Day,” a fundraising and awareness event held on the summer solstice. This event symbolizes the enduring challenge faced by those living with the disease and their caregivers, encouraging participants to engage in an activity from sunrise to sunset. Conversely, the November designation is rooted in a national legislative and historical perspective.
Goals of Awareness Campaigns
The primary universal goal of these awareness campaigns is to reduce the societal stigma associated with an Alzheimer’s diagnosis. Open conversations foster an empathetic environment, ensuring affected individuals and families feel less isolated. These months also promote early detection and diagnosis, allowing individuals to access available treatments sooner and plan for future care.
A major objective is increasing public and private funding for scientific research. Campaigns challenge the misconception that cognitive decline is merely a normal part of aging, clarifying that Alzheimer’s is caused by specific physical diseases in the brain. By raising the public profile of the condition, these initiatives hope to accelerate scientific breakthroughs and ultimately find a way to prevent or cure the disease.
Essential Facts About Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills, eventually compromising the ability to carry out daily tasks. It is the most common cause of dementia, accounting for an estimated 60 to 80 percent of all cases. The disease begins with toxic changes in the brain, characterized by the abnormal accumulation of protein fragments known as amyloid plaques and tangled bundles of tau proteins.
These pathological changes lead to the death of nerve cells and the loss of connections between neurons, causing the brain to shrink over time. The earliest symptom is difficulty remembering recent events or newly learned information, often mistaken for typical age-related forgetfulness. As the disease advances, symptoms broaden to include problems with language, disorientation, mood swings, and difficulty completing familiar tasks.
In the United States, an estimated 6.9 million people aged 65 and older are currently living with Alzheimer’s. This number is projected to rise significantly, potentially reaching nearly 13 million by 2050. Worldwide, more than 55 million people live with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, underscoring its global health impact. Alzheimer’s is a leading cause of death in the U.S., claiming more lives than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined.
How the Public Can Participate
The public can take specific steps to support the cause year-round, extending beyond the awareness months.
Ways to Participate
- Participate in fundraising events, such as the Walk to End Alzheimer’s or The Longest Day, which generate financial support for research and care services.
- Volunteer time, which can involve offering respite care to relieve family caregivers or assisting local organizations with educational programs.
- Become advocates by contacting elected officials to urge them to prioritize and increase funding for Alzheimer’s research and support services.
- Share accurate information about the disease on social media platforms, often using the color purple as a symbol, to disseminate facts and encourage conversations about brain health.