June is Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month, a time to shed light on one of the most pressing public health challenges of our time. Whether you’re caring for someone with Alzheimer’s or just want to understand more about brain health, here are fast facts to boost your awareness and inspire action.

🧠 What Is Alzheimer’s Disease?

Alzheimer’s is a progressive brain disorder that slowly destroys memory, thinking skills, and the ability to carry out simple tasks. It’s the most common cause of dementia, a general term for memory loss and other cognitive impairments.

⚡ Fast Facts at a Glance

1. More Than 55 Million People Worldwide Live With Dementia

Over 60% of those are believed to have Alzheimer’s disease. The number is expected to nearly double every 20 years.

2. 1 in 9 People Age 65+ Has Alzheimer’s in the U.S.

That’s about 6.9 million Americans, and the number continues to rise with the aging population.

3. Every 3 Seconds, Someone in the World Develops Dementia

This startling rate highlights the urgency of research, education, and caregiving support.

4. Alzheimer’s Is the 7th Leading Cause of Death Globally

And it’s the only top 10 cause of death that cannot be prevented, cured, or even slowed significantly—yet.

5. Women Are More Likely to Get Alzheimer’s

Nearly two-thirds of people diagnosed are women. Hormonal differences and longer life spans may contribute.

6. Early Detection Can Make a Difference

Memory loss is not always a normal part of aging. Early diagnosis gives individuals and families time to plan, access treatments, and improve quality of life.

🧩 What Puts You at Risk?

  • Age – the biggest known risk factor

  • Family history and genetics

  • Chronic health conditions (e.g., high blood pressure, diabetes)

  • Lifestyle factors like smoking, inactivity, and poor diet

💡 Brain Health Tips

You can’t change your age or genes, but you can make choices that support a healthy brain:

  • 🥗 Eat a balanced diet (think Mediterranean or MIND diet)

  • 🏃 Stay physically active

  • 🧩 Challenge your brain with puzzles, reading, or learning new skills

  • 💤 Prioritize sleep

  • 🧘‍♀️ Reduce stress and stay socially engaged

🎗️ How to Get Involved

  • Wear purple in June to raise Alzheimer’s awareness

  • Join or support a Walk to End Alzheimer’s

  • Donate to organizations funding research like the Alzheimer’s Association or Alzheimer’s Research UK

  • Share information with friends and loved ones—it could make a life-changing difference

Final Thought

Alzheimer’s disease affects more than just memory—it touches every part of life for those diagnosed and their loved ones. Awareness is the first step toward action. The more we know, the better we can support those affected—and maybe one day, find a cure.

If you or someone you know is interested in care management or home healthcare services in South Florida, FirstLantic can help. We are locally owned and operated, providing our patients with the highest quality in-home care services in Fort Lauderdale (Broward County), as well as in-home care services in Delray Beach (Palm Beach County), North Miami (Miami-Dade) and Jupiter (Treasure Coast) since 2000. Click here to contact us.