June is Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month
By Ernst Lamothe Jr
Alzheimer’s disease is more than occasional forgetfulness. It is a progressive brain disease that slowly affects memory, thinking, behavior and the ability to complete everyday tasks.
It is the most common form of dementia and while it most often affects older adults, its impact reaches entire families, caregivers and communities.
Understanding the myths, warning signs, risks and treatment options can help people seek help earlier and plan with more confidence.
“Alzheimer’s is a growing public health crisis that affects millions of individuals, families and caregivers. More than seven million Americans are currently living with Alzheimer’s and that number is expected to rise significantly in the coming decades,” said Samantha Weeks, director of community engagement at the Alzheimer’s Association Central New York Office. “It is also a leading cause of death and places a significant emotional and financial burden on families and the health care system.”
1. Not a Normal Part of Aging
One common myth is that Alzheimer’s is a normal part of aging, but it isn’t. Some memory changes can happen with age. Alzheimer’s causes memory and thinking problems that interfere with daily life.
“While occasional forgetfulness can occur, Alzheimer’s is a disease that causes changes in the brain and is not typical aging,” said Weeks. “Another myth is that Alzheimer’s and dementia are the same thing. Dementia is a general term for cognitive decline, while Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia. It is also a misconception that only older adults get Alzheimer’s. While age is the greatest risk factor, younger onset Alzheimer’s can occur in people under 65.”
2. Caregivers Should Ask for Help
Experts say you should start by being patient, calm and realistic because the person is not trying to be difficult; the disease is changing how their brain works. Create routines, use simple communication, write down important information and make the home as safe and familiar as possible. Just as important, caregivers should ask for help, use respite care when available and connect with medical professionals or support groups before they feel overwhelmed.
“We encourage families to seek an early diagnosis and connect with resources as soon as possible,” said Weeks. “Education about the disease can help caregivers and people living with the disease gain a better understanding of changes in behavior and communication.”
3. Ten Signs to Pay Attention To
The Alzheimer’s Association identifies 10 common warning signs, including memory loss that disrupts daily life, difficulty planning or solving problems, trouble completing familiar tasks, confusion with time or place, challenges with speaking or writing, misplacing items and being unable to retrace steps, poor judgment, withdrawal from work or social activities and changes in mood or personality.
“It is important to note that experiencing one of these signs does not necessarily mean someone has Alzheimer’s disease. However, noticing one or more of these symptoms is something to pay attention to and should prompt a conversation with a health care provider,” said Weeks.
4. New Medications Can Help
While there is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, there are drugs that are available that may help manage symptoms or slow progression in some individuals. Medications can help with memory and thinking and newer FDA approved treatments target underlying changes in the brain.
“Two of the newest FDA approved therapies, lecanemab also known as Leqembi and donanemab also known as Kisunla, are designed to slow disease progression by removing beta amyloid from the brain,” said Weeks. “These treatments are only approved for people in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease, such as those with mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia and who meet specific eligibility criteria.”
5. New Ways to Diagnose
Alzheimer’s is diagnosed through a medical evaluation that may include a health history, memory and thinking tests, a physical exam and a review of medications and other possible causes. Doctors may also use blood tests, brain imaging, spinal fluid testing or PET scans to look for signs linked to Alzheimer’s disease.
“It’s also important to note that newer diagnostic tools are emerging, including blood tests that can help detect changes in the brain associated with Alzheimer’s disease,” said Weeks. “These tests look for specific biological markers and can support earlier and more accurate diagnosis, though they are still continuing to evolve and are not yet widely available in all clinical settings.”