June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month

Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month is an internationally recognized movement that is celebrated annually in June. The goal of this movement is to draw attention to the prevalence and effects of Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia.  

Alzheimer’s is a brain disease that leads to memory loss, disorientation, confusion, behaviour changes, and skill loss. 

While Alzheimer’s is a specific disorder and can result in dementia—a term typically used to refer to memory loss—dementia can also be diagnosed in isolation from Alzheimer’s, referring to a series of brain diseases that result in memory and skill loss that interfere with everyday functions.  

Dementia acts as an umbrella term for conditions such as Dementia with Lewy Bodies, Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease, and Frontotemporal Dementia. 

This month of awareness was started in 1983 by the American president Ronald Reagan who hoped the month could be dedicated to learning about Alzheimer’s and what is needed to care for people who are suffering with this disease. In 2023, the LWWRC published a blog called Redirection Strategies and People Living with Dementia. This blog is a great starting point for supporting those with dementia, but you can participate in the Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month movement in a number of ways:  

1. Research different Alzheimer’s and brain health organizations and consider donating your time or money to the cause.  

2. Spread research and information on your social media platforms to help your community learn more about these conditions. 

3. Look into lectures or events for Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month that may be happening in your area.  

4. Check out the stories of caregivers or those living with these conditions. 

5. Wear purple! Purple is associated with a movement towards more Alzheimer’s education, awareness, and support.