June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month and the Alzheimer’s Association urges people to take charge of their brain health.
Today, there are nearly 7 million people 65 and older in the U.S. who are living with Alzheimer’s dementia, including 300,000 in D.C., Maryland and Virginia. The lifetime risk for the disease at age 45 is 1 in 5 for women and 1 in 10 for men. The brain changes that cause Alzheimer’s are thought to begin 20 years or more before symptoms start, which suggests that there may be a substantial window of time in which we can intervene in the progression of the disease.
“Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month offers the perfect opportunity for people to take charge of their brain health,” said Sheila Griffith, vice president of programs and services with the Alzheimer’s Association National Capital Area chapter. “We want people to know there are steps they can take to potentially reduce their risk of cognitive decline. We also want to encourage anyone experiencing memory or thinking problems to talk to their doctor. There are many possible causes — and if it is Alzheimer’s disease, there are numerous benefits to getting a timely diagnosis.”
The association offers suggestions to take charge of brain health:
- Incorporate healthy habits that may reduce the risk of cognitive decline.
- Learn the early warning signs of Alzheimer’s and other dementia.
- Be proactive in addressing memory and thinking problems.
Experts say early detection and diagnosis of Alzheimer’s and other dementia offers the best opportunity for care, management and treatment.
The Alzheimer’s Association offers tips and resources to help families navigate these conversations. The association can help accelerate disease-related research and encourages people to volunteer with the association.
For more information, go to alz.org.