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Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month is observed every June, dedicated to spreading the word about Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. This crucial month provides an opportunity to learn facts, support research, and join the global movement to #EndAlz. Wear purple, educate yourself, and advocate for brain health.
Want to sponsor Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month? Learn how
Expected Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month Deals
Throughout June, as Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month unfolds, the focus shifts from commercial deals to vital fundraising and awareness campaigns. Organizations like the Alzheimer’s Association partner with corporations such as Bank of America and CVS Health to host donation drives, matching gift programs, and special events. Expect retailers like Target and Kohl’s to feature purple merchandise, with a portion of sales benefiting research and support services. Pharmaceutical companies like Eli Lilly and Biogen often highlight their ongoing research efforts and clinical trials. Many local businesses also participate by organizing walks, runs, and community education events, encouraging customers to round up purchases or make direct contributions to support the cause. We will update this page with confirmed live campaigns as June approaches.
Platform Guide for Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #EndAlz. Share personal stories, educational graphics, or photos of yourself wearing purple to spread awareness visually.
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Mention @NatlToday and use #EndAlz. Join conversations, share breaking news on research, and retweet calls to action from advocacy groups.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #EndAlz. Create community events, share educational videos, or host a live Q&A with a local expert.
Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month Hero
Dr. Alois Alzheimer
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.
Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month timeline
Alzheimer's disease is named after Alois Alzheimer but by his senior colleague, psychiatrist Emil Kraepelin who used the term ‘Alzheimer's disease’ in his book “Psychiatrie.”
The electron microscope is invented by Germans Max Knoll and Ernst Ruska, which can magnify up to one million times, allowing researchers to study the brain in more detail.
The Alzheimer's Association, the leading organization in Alzheimer’s care and research, is established with Mr. Jerome H. Stone as the founding president.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves tacrine (Cognex) as the first drug targeted specifically towards Alzheimer's symptoms.
How Businesses Can Celebrate Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month
Local businesses can honor Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month by hosting fundraising events or dedicating a portion of June’s sales to Alzheimer’s research organizations. Consider offering educational materials about brain health to customers or organizing employee wellness workshops focused on cognitive fitness. Partner with a local Alzheimer’s chapter to amplify their message and encourage community involvement, such as sponsoring a ‘Walk to End Alzheimer’s’ team.
Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month FAQs
When is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month?
Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month runs throughout June 2026, offering a dedicated period to focus on brain health and Alzheimer’s disease. It’s a time for global communities to unite in the fight against this devastating condition.
How many people are affected by Alzheimer's?
Globally, over 55 million people live with dementia, with Alzheimer’s disease being the most common cause, accounting for 60-70% of cases. In the U.S. alone, approximately 6.7 million Americans aged 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s in 2023.
What is the economic impact of Alzheimer's?
Alzheimer’s disease places an immense economic burden on healthcare systems and families. In 2023, the total cost of Alzheimer’s and other dementias in the U.S. is estimated to be $345 billion, with Medicare and Medicaid covering a significant portion.
What is the difference between Alzheimer's and dementia?
Dementia is an umbrella term for a decline in mental ability severe enough to interfere with daily life, while Alzheimer’s is the most common type of dementia. Alzheimer’s specifically refers to a progressive brain disease causing problems with memory, thinking, and behavior.
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.
Social Media Tips for Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month
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