National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month

Categories:: Health
Tags:: Elderly
Where:: United States
Date change rule:: Every November
Holiday emoji:: 💜

National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month is observed throughout November, reminding us of the profound impact this condition has on individuals and families. This month is dedicated to raising public understanding of Alzheimer’s, a form of dementia affecting memory, thinking, and behavior. Take action by learning the symptoms, supporting research, and advocating for those living with the disease.

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Expected National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month Deals

Throughout November, National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month sees a surge in fundraising initiatives and corporate partnerships aimed at combating this devastating condition. Organizations like the Alzheimer’s Association and the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America often partner with retailers and brands for donation-matching programs, awareness campaigns, and special product lines where a portion of sales benefits research. Expect healthcare providers such as CVS Health to offer educational resources, while pharmaceutical companies like Eli Lilly and Company and Genentech highlight their latest research advancements. Care providers like Home Instead may offer free consultations or resources for families. We encourage you to visit the official websites of these organizations to find out how you can contribute to the cause.

Platform Guide for National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month

Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and use #AlzheimersAwarenessMonth. Share professional insights on care, research, and workplace support.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #AlzheimersAwareness. Share personal stories, host virtual support groups, or promote local events.

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #ENDALZ. Disseminate breaking news on research, policy updates, and advocacy efforts in real-time.

National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month Hero

Alois Alzheimer

Dr. Alois Alzheimer (1864–1915) was a German psychiatrist and neuropathologist who is credited with identifying the first published case of 'presenile dementia' in 1906, which was later named Alzheimer's disease. His meticulous examination of brain tissue from a patient with severe memory loss led to the discovery of the amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles that are hallmarks of the disease. His pioneering work laid the foundation for understanding the pathology of this complex condition.

National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month timeline

2013

G8 Convened the first dementia summit

Global representatives assembled at the G8 International Alzheimer's Summit in the UK for collaboration on finding a cure by 2025.

2011

President Obama joined in the fight

He signed the National Alzheimer's Project Act — providing a framework for supporting and funding AD research.

1994

President Reagan announced AD diagnosis

He surprised the nation by announcing his own Alzheimer's Disease diagnosis.

1993

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved an AD Drug

Cognex, the first drug focusing on improving the memory loss and dementia symptoms of AD patients, was approved by the FDA

1906

Dr. Alzheimer revealed new neurological disease

Dr. Alois Alzheimer described a patient's memory loss, paranoia, and psychological changes — followed by the autopsy revealing diminished nerve cells in and around the brain.

How Businesses Can Celebrate National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month

Local businesses can honor National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month by hosting educational seminars about brain health and early detection, or by offering special promotions where a portion of proceeds benefits a local Alzheimer’s support group. Restaurants might feature ‘purple ribbon’ themed dishes, while care facilities can organize open houses to showcase their dementia care programs and resources for families. Encouraging staff to wear purple throughout November also helps spark conversations and raise visibility for the cause.

National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month FAQs

When is National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month?

National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month runs throughout November 2026, dedicated to raising public understanding and support for those affected by Alzheimer’s.

How many people are affected by Alzheimer's disease?

Alzheimer’s disease currently affects over 6 million Americans, with projections indicating this number could rise significantly in the coming decades without effective treatments.

What is the economic impact of Alzheimer's disease?

The economic burden of Alzheimer’s disease is staggering, with estimated costs in the U.S. exceeding $345 billion in 2023 for medical care, social services, and unpaid caregiving.

What are the early signs of Alzheimer's disease?

Early signs of Alzheimer’s often include memory loss that disrupts daily life, challenges in planning or solving problems, difficulty completing familiar tasks, and confusion with time or place.

How to Observe National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month

Take a memory walk
The Alzheimer's Association is sponsoring memory walks all over the country. Thousands of people come together to raise funds to support both the care of patients and the research for a cure. Wear blue if you have dementia, or purple if you've lost a loved one to the disease.
Get screened
The National Memory Screening Program allows you to answer a list of questions to see if you or someone you know may potentially have Alzheimer's Disease. The test is a series of questions to measure your language skills, thinking ability, and intellectual functions. Taking the test is free. But it will not definitely tell you whether or not you have AD. Check with your doctor to get a thorough evaluation.
Donate
Your dollars are critical in the search for a cure. Funding also helps develop new medications to slow the effects of the disease. Your support makes it all happen.

5 Important Things To Know About Alzheimer's Disease

You can lose your sense of smell
People with AD often lose their sense of smell — which can be an early sign of the disease.
Drink your coffee
A team of French and German researchers discovered that caffeine and coffee may delay memory decline.
It's linked to heart disease
Heart disease heightens your AD risk due to vascular dementia stemming from narrowed blood vessels in the brain caused by less oxygen.
Its costs are sky high
In 2050, treatment costs for AD are expected to balloon to $1 trillion.
It impacts women more than men
Brain shrinkage in women appears to be more severe than in men.

Why National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month is Important

It's progressive
Alzheimer's Disease worsens over time and eventually the sufferer can no longer do routine tasks. During full progression, patients aren't sure where they are or may not be able to converse. When symptoms are fully apparent, people with AD may only live an average of eight years, but some can survive up to 20 years, depending on their overall health.
It interferes with your memory
Alzheimer's (AD) attacks your memory of people, places, and things. The symptoms to look for include memory loss (especially short-term), trouble making plans and solving problems, confusion over times or places, and misplacing objects. AD patients also experience mood and personality changes that can devolve into someone being confused, suspicious, or even depressed.
It encourages a routine
When someone has AD, having a routine is critical to helping the person manage their symptoms. As a caregiver, try to keep from overstimulating the person. Keep details to a minimum and speak calmly about one idea at a time. Most importantly, reassure your loved one that they are safe with you.