June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month. More than 7 million Americans ages 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s disease right now, according to the Alzheimer’s Association.
It’s a brain disease that causes a slow decline in memory, thinking and behavior.
In 2022, Alzheimer’s disease was the sixth leading cause of death in those ages 65 and older, and the Alzheimer’s Association says nearly 14 million Americans in that age group are expected to be living with the disease by 2060.
“This is a public health crisis,” said Carl V. Hill, Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer at the Alzheimer’s Association.
But the brain changes that cause the disease are thought to begin 20 years or more before memory loss and other symptoms start.
Early detection gives patients a better chance of benefiting from treatment, and a new campaign aims to make people aware of the 10 early warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease that are often mistaken for normal aging.
- Memory loss that disrupts daily life
- Challenges in planning or solving problems
- Difficulty completing familiar tasks
- Confusion with time or place
- Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships
- New problems with words in speaking or writing
- Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps
- Decreased or poor judgment
- Withdrawal from work or social activities
- Changes in mood and personality
“Early detection can really help ensure a loved one receives the best care, support and access to treatment,” Hill said.
Experts say close family members are usually the first to notice these changes in a loved one, so being aware of the potential signs is critical.
“With that knowledge, empower your family members to have a conversation about Alzheimer’s if they notice a difference in their loved one’s attitude or behavior,” Hill said.
For more information on the 10 warning signs or if you have questions, check out the Alzheimer’s Association’s website at 10signs.org.
The organization also has information on resources -- like emotional support groups -- that can help both the patient and caregiver after a diagnosis is made.