Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month – June 2025
Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month is observed in June as an opportunity to spread the word about and discuss Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Throughout the month, the Alzheimer’s Association encourages people around the globe to support the movement by wearing purple and training their brains to fight the disease.
History of Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month
The occurrence of dementia goes way back to before it was named. Ancient Egyptians, in 2000 B.C., were aware of the fact that memory declines as people grow old.
In the second century A.D., Turkish doctor Aretheus described dementia by putting it in the same group as delirium. Delirium is the reversible (acute) disorder of cognitive function while dementia is an irreversible chronic disorder.
The fall of the Roman Empire in the fifth century led to the domination of theocracy during the Middle Ages. Dementia was thus regarded as a punishment from God for sins committed and the patients were considered to be possessed by demons and subject to hatred. During the 14th and 15th centuries, such patients were also victims of witch hunts.
Saint Isidore, archbishop of Seville, first used the word ‘dementia’ in his book “Etymologies” in around 600 A.D. The word is of Latin origin: ‘de’ meaning loss or deprivation, ‘ment’ meaning mind, and ‘ia’ indicating a state. So, ‘dementia’ means ‘loss of the state of the mind.’
In 1906, German physician Alois Alzheimer described the case of Auguste Deter, a 50-year-old woman with profound memory loss. This was the first recorded case of Alzheimer’s disease, although it was not called so then.
President Ronald Regan initiated the observance of Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month in 1983 to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s and get people involved in the recognition of the diseases as well as the types of care required by someone suffering from it.
How to Observe Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month
Donate time or money to an Alzheimer’s organization
You can either donate money online by looking up the Alzheimer’s Association website or you can donate your time by volunteering at charitable organizations that need dedicated volunteers, and encourage others to participate as well.
Take part in seminars
Communities around the world hold public events and seminars to spread awareness about Alzheimer’s. Take part in them and find out more about the diseases and how you can contribute to the fight.
Wear purple and join the social media campaign
Purple represents the fight against Alzheimer’s. Share an image of you wearing purple and show your solidarity in the fight against Alzheimer’s. Use the hashtag #EndAlz and #AlzheimersAndBrainAwarenessMonth.
5 Facts About Alzheimer’s That You Didn’t Know
Around the world
An estimated 47 million people around the world are living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias, and if a change doesn’t come by 2030, this number will grow to 76 million.
Each second counts
A person develops Alzheimer’s disease in the United States every 65 seconds.
Caregivers
In America, more than 16 million people take care of family or friends with Alzheimer’s or dementia, and that, too, without pay.
A leading disease
In the U.S., Alzheimer’s is the sixth leading cause of death and 6.2 million of those living with Alzheimer’s disease are over 65.
One out of three deaths
Alzheimer’s or other dementia kills one in three seniors and deaths due to this disease are more than prostate cancer and breast cancer combined.
Why Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month is Important
It spreads the word
This month helps spread awareness about Alzheimer's and other dementia along with the different kinds of care that people with the disease require. It motivates people to know more about the disease.
It’s for the elders
People with Alzheimer’s or other dementia often withdraw from society and even family. This month promotes talking to them and reminding them that they are special.
It propels research
Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month is a way to propel research and find a cure for Alzheimer’s disease. When more people come together, things are achieved faster.
To know more about it, visit this LINK.
What is Cheltenham Oaks Assisted Living?
Cheltenham Oaks Assisted Living
is a team of licensed nurses and care providers committed to enhancing the quality of living for our seniors. We do this by carefully tracking your current state of health and personal assistance needs, and work to provide you with all of the regularly scheduled care services you require to go about your life.
We are compassionate about the fact that aging and entering the latter stages of life can be challenging if not scary. That's why we strive to promote a happy, engaging community within our facility that encourages residents to engage in classes, entertainment, games, social activities, and much more.
With the help of our care providers, you and our residents can live a normal life filled with the same opportunities to experience joy, laughter, love, and friendship. Whether you require assistance with your physical, mental, or emotional health, we're here to provide.
For many, having the talk about assisted living isn't easy. Our team is always here to help you through it.
It's likely that you're researching assisted living on behalf of a parent, grandparent, or loved one. Broaching the subject of moving to an assisted living facility isn't easy for a likely reason: we all struggle to acknowledge the end of our lives.
However, there are steps you can take to ease your loved ones into understanding. You should start by acknowledging the possibilities before your loved ones are limited on options.
While your loved ones are still healthy, they are able to more effectively think about the consequences and risks of what might happen down the road. It's easier to make decisions when you have agency, as opposed to finding yourself in poor health and having no option but to go along.
Have the discussion with loved ones about "what if?" Be sure to discuss the presence of illness and what to expect later on.
