Honor a loved one during Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month

June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, a time to show support for people living with Alzheimer’s or dementia, and to recognize caregivers for their dedication. Currently, 150,000 Georgians are living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. By 2025, that number is expected to increase by 26.7% to 190,000.  

Dementia is not a normal part of the aging process, but the number of families affected by Alzheimer’s and dementia continues to rise. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, Alzheimer’s is the sixth leading cause of death in Georgia, and kills more people than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined. 

The way to help families affected by Alzheimer’s or a related dementia is to be proactive. Here are some ideas for how to get involved:

• The Division of Aging Services has a number of tools available to assist those living with Alzheimer’s and related dementias. Click here for more information: https://aging.georgia.gov/tools-resources/dementia-resources
• Know a caregiver in need of support? Caregiver resources are also available for those supporting a loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Learn more here: https://aging.georgia.gov/tools-resources/caregiving
• Attend a free informational webinar, and learn more about the signs and symptoms of dementia during a Dementia Friends presentation on June 22 at 10 a.m. Register here: https://dhs.georgia.gov/events/2021-06-22/webinar-dementia-friends-georgia
• Throughout the month of June, DHS is collecting and sharing stories of loved ones living with Alzheimer’s or a related dementia. Georgians are encouraged to go purple by wearing their favorite purple outfit and sharing their stories on Facebook or Twitter using the hashtag #ENDALZ or #MyAlzStory. Follow the DHS Facebook page or DHS Twitter page to participate and learn more about the resources available to caregivers and those living with dementia. 

Join us this June as we raise awareness, support our fellow Georgians and take action to improve the lives of the individuals and families living with dementia.