National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month – Understanding, Supporting, and Taking Action

In 1983, President Ronald Reagan designated November as National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month. The goal was — and still is — to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s disease, share caregiving resources, connect families with organizations that can help, and raise funds to find a cure.

Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia and a progressive neurological disease. It is not a normal part of aging. When Reagan made the designation in 1983, fewer than two million Americans had Alzheimer’s. Today, that number has climbed to over 5.7 million — and it continues to grow. More than 10 million Americans are caring for a loved one with the disease. By 2050, experts project that 14 million Americans will have an Alzheimer’s diagnosis.

The Impact of Alzheimer’s on Families and Caregivers

Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s is often a labor of love — and 83% of that care is provided by family members, friends, and other unpaid caregivers.

• Every 65 seconds, an American develops Alzheimer’s.
• One in two families will be affected in some way.
• The lifetime cost of care for one individual is estimated at $341,840.

In 2018 alone, caregivers provided 18.4 billion hours of unpaid care, valued at more than $232 billion. The national cost of dementia-related care was $305 billion in 2020, and by 2050, that figure is projected to exceed $1.1 trillion (in 2020 dollars).

Recognizing Early Signs of Alzheimer’s

Early detection is critical — yet many cases go undiagnosed for years. Watch for these warning signs:

• Becoming lost in familiar places
• Difficulty managing money, paying bills, or keeping track of dates
• Repeating questions or conversations
• Taking longer than usual to complete daily tasks
• Poor judgment or decision-making
• Losing items or placing them in unusual spots
• Withdrawal from social activities
• Noticeable changes in personality or mood

If you observe these symptoms in a loved one, it’s time to schedule a dementia evaluation with their medical provider. Early diagnosis can help with planning and support.

Honoring and Supporting Alzheimer’s Caregivers

November is also a time to recognize the millions of caregivers who provide daily support to individuals living with Alzheimer’s.

The Alzheimer’s Association offers a special online tribute page where you can:

• Leave a message of appreciation for a caregiver
• Read other tributes and connect with stories from across the country

Sharing these stories helps caregivers feel less alone and reminds us all of the dedication and sacrifice involved in caring for someone with Alzheimer’s.

Raising Awareness: Go Purple

Purple is the official color of Alzheimer’s awareness. During November, you can:

• Wear purple to spark conversation
• Share photos or posts with the hashtag #ENDALZ
• Encourage younger generations to join the fight against Alzheimer’s

Alzheimer’s is the 6th leading cause of death in the United States — and currently, there is no cure. Every effort to raise awareness helps bring us closer to finding one.

Planning Ahead for Long-Term Care

A diagnosis of Alzheimer’s can feel overwhelming, but careful planning can protect a person’s savings, home, and dignity.

Our office helps individuals and families:

• Plan for the high cost of long-term care
• Protect assets from being depleted
• Explore legal and financial strategies that preserve quality of life

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, we would be honored to guide you through your planning options. Call us at (207) 848-5600 or visit our Contact Page to schedule a consultation.