Alzheimer’s Awareness Month 2024: Everything You Need To Know

November is a month for raising awareness about Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's Awareness Month signifies a time to teach people about how this disease affects millions of people around the world and encourage more research and support for those affected. Currently, over 55 million people are living with Alzheimer's or a different form of dementia. 

During the month of November, individuals and organizations can come together to participate in activities focused on spreading awareness and encouraging discussion about Alzheimer's disease. Many people might show their support by wearing purple, a color that symbolizes the fight against Alzheimer's, or take part in fundraising events, like the Walk to End Alzheimer's. Continue reading to learn more about the ongoing effort to improve the lives of those diagnosed with this debilitating and life-altering condition.

The history of Alzheimer's Awareness Month

Alzheimer's Awareness Month started in the 1980s when President Ronald Reagan announced that November would be National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month. This decision helped spotlight a disease that impacts millions of people all over the world. 

Around the same time, the Alzheimer's Association was created and became a key player in raising awareness and helping people affected by Alzheimer's. Over the years, Alzheimer's Awareness Month has become increasingly important. It's now a yearly worldwide event that encourages people to take action and learn more about this serious illness.

In more recent years, another public awareness campaign known as the Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month has emerged, which takes place in June. This event focuses on both Alzheimer's and other dementias, spreading awareness and understanding of these diseases on a global scale. During June's Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month, people are encouraged to wear purple and participate in various activities that show their support for those living with Alzheimer's and dementia.

In addition to the November and June awareness campaigns, World Alzheimer's Month is in September every year. World Alzheimer's Day, celebrated every year on September 21st, is a specific day that aims to raise further awareness about Alzheimer's disease and its effects on individuals, families, and communities. 

Why is Alzheimer's Awareness Month 2024 important?

Alzheimer's Awareness Month in 2023 seeks to shine a spotlight on Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. Let’s highlight some of the goals of Alzheimer's Awareness Month, as well as key events during the month to spark discussions and promote support.

Goals of Alzheimer's Awareness Month

Another goal of Alzheimer's Awareness Month is to unite people in the fight to end Alzheimer's. The month encourages people to take action, including voting for better healthcare policies, increasing the funding for Alzheimer's research, and supporting groups focused on finding a cure or more effective treatments.

Key events during Alzheimer's Awareness Month

Various events take place during Alzheimer's Awareness Month to raise awareness and support efforts to fight the disease. One such event is the 2023 Walk to End Alzheimer's, organized by the Alzheimer's Association. The walk unites communities across the nation in an effort to raise money for Alzheimer's care, support, and research.

Another key initiative, taking place during Alzheimer's Awareness Month, is the "Go Purple" campaign. People are asked to wear purple, the color that stands for Alzheimer's awareness, throughout the month. This shows support for those affected by the disease and raises awareness about Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia.

Several other activities are organized by different groups, including educational talks, support group meetings, and different fundraising events. These all aim to involve the public and help spread knowledge about Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia.

Support and resources for Alzheimer's disease

With advancements in research and new FDA-approved drugs, there is hope for slowing the progression of this neurodegenerative disease in its early stages and providing relief to millions of patients and their families. For those seeking guidance and assistance, numerous organizations offer support groups, educational materials, and other resources. Those affected and their loved ones can stay informed and connected as they experience the journey of Alzheimer's.

• Alzheimer's Association: A leading organization in Alzheimer's research and support, offering a 24/7 Helpline, Caregiver Center, Alzheimer's Navigator, and educational resources.
• Alzheimer's Foundation of America: Provides resources, support groups, memory screenings, and educational materials for those affected by Alzheimer's. They also host events and awareness campaigns during Alzheimer's Awareness Month in November.
• National Institute on Aging: As part of the U.S. government's National Institutes of Health (NIH), the National Institute on Aging (NIA) offers a wealth of Alzheimer's and dementia information, resources, and ongoing research studies.
• Dementia Society of America: A nonprofit organization that raises awareness, provides support, and offers resources for individuals and families dealing with dementia.
• Family Caregiver Alliance: Offers resources and support specifically for family caregivers of adults with cognitive and memory impairments. Their services include fact sheets, webinar trainings, and an online caregiver support group.

Through these organizations and many others, individuals affected by Alzheimer's and dementia along with their loved ones can find invaluable information, support networks, and a community on which to rely for help.

How to promote awareness of Alzheimer's disease

Spreading awareness of Alzheimer’s disease can help encourage more research into the disease, reduce the stigma attached to it, and push for better care and resources for patients and their families. Here's how you can help promote Alzheimer's awareness:

Wear purple

Consider showing your support and solidarity by wearing purple, the official color of Alzheimer's awareness. You might also encourage friends, family, and coworkers to wear purple throughout the months of June, September, and November to visually show support for Alzheimer's and brain health.

Discuss facts and information

Educating yourself and others on the symptoms, causes, treatments, and prevention strategies for Alzheimer's disease can be another great way to encourage awareness. Communicate credible, science-based information on social media, at your workplace, and in your community.

Attend or organize events

You might participate in events such as the 2023 Walk to End Alzheimer's, an event that raises funds and awareness for Alzheimer's research, care, and support. You might also consider organizing your own local event like a community walk, bake sale, or benefit concert to donate to the cause.

Donate to Alzheimer's research

You can support organizations dedicated to Alzheimer's research, such as the Alzheimer's Association. Your donations may help advance the fight for a cure and provide much-needed care and support for those affected by the disease.

Advocate for policy changes

Consider reaching out to local, state, and federal representatives and urge them to increase funding for Alzheimer's research and improve care for patients and caregivers. You can also sign petitions or join advocacy groups that focus on Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.

These are just a few of the many ways you can promote awareness and support for Alzheimer's disease during Alzheimer's Awareness Month. You can be creative in your efforts, as even the smallest actions may have a meaningful impact. You can also collaborate with others to make a difference in the fight against Alzheimer's disease.

Online therapy for Alzheimer's disease

Online therapy has become a promising choice for people with Alzheimer's disease and their caregivers. Studies have shown that online therapy may help relieve symptoms and support those affected by this brain disease and their loved ones. One study found that a virtual health coach was beneficial for caregivers of people with frontotemporal degeneration, a type of dementia closely related to Alzheimer's. Authors of the study found health coaching to be a personalized and beneficial intervention that provided support for caregivers. These include helping both caregivers and those managing Alzheimer’s cope with stress and foster self-care routines to improve health and wellness.

There are many benefits to online therapy for Alzheimer's patients and their caregivers. One of the main benefits is its convenience. Online therapy allows people to connect with licensed therapists in the comfort of their own homes. This option can be especially helpful for people who have trouble moving around or who live in remote locations. The ease may also lead to more regular therapy sessions and better results over time.

Another benefit of online therapy is flexibility. Sessions can be scheduled at convenient times, and there is no need to spend time commuting to and from appointments. Flexible scheduling can be especially valuable for caregivers who are juggling multiple responsibilities and may have limited time for in-person sessions. Further, online therapy platforms can offer a broader range of therapists from which to choose, giving people the opportunity to find a professional who might focus specifically on dementia care.