June is Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month

June is a significant month for raising awareness about Alzheimer's disease and overall brain health. As a leading manufacturer of wireless vital sign monitoring systems for hospitals, we at Sotera Digital Health understand the importance of cognitive health and its impact on patients' well-being.

In order to raise awareness of Alzheimer's disease and other dementias, June is designated as Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month. The Alzheimer's Association urges individuals all over the world to support the cause by donning purple and preparing their minds to combat the disease throughout the month.

Understanding Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive brain disorder that affects memory, thinking, and behavior. It is the most common form of dementia, with millions of people worldwide being impacted by this condition. It is a progressive disease beginning with mild memory loss and possibly leading to loss of the ability to carry on a conversation and respond to the environment, and can seriously affect a person’s ability to carry out daily activities.

Scientists do not yet fully understand what causes Alzheimer’s disease. There likely is not a single cause but rather several factors that can affect each person differently.

• Age is the best known risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease.
• Family history—researchers believe that genetics may play a role in developing Alzheimer’s disease. However, genes do not equal destiny. A healthy lifestyle may help reduce your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Two large, long term studies indicate that adequate physical activity, a nutritious diet, limited alcohol consumption, and not smoking may help people.
• Changes in the brain can begin years before the first symptoms appear.
• Researchers are studying whether education, diet, and environment play a role in developing Alzheimer’s disease.
• There is growing scientific evidence that healthy behaviors, which have been shown to prevent cancer, diabetes, and heart disease, may also reduce the risk for subjective cognitive decline.
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Alzheimers: By the Numbers

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, an estimated 6.7 million Americans age 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s in 2023 – 73% are age 75 or older.

• About 1 in 9 people age 65 and older (10.7%) has Alzheimer's.
• Almost two-thirds of Americans with Alzheimer's are women.
• Older Black Americans are about twice as likely to have Alzheimer's or other dementias as older Whites.
• Older Hispanics are about one and one-half times as likely to have Alzheimer's or other dementias as older Whites.
• 1 in 3 seniors dies with Alzheimer’s or another dementia. It kills more than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined.
• In 2023, Alzheimer’s and other dementias will cost the nation $345 billion. By 2050, these costs could rise to nearly $1 trillion.
• Over 11 million Americans provide unpaid care for people with Alzheimer’s or other dementias.
• In 2022, unpaid caregivers provided an estimated 18 billion house of care valued at $339.5 billion.
• The lifetime risk for Alzheimer’s at age 45 is 1 in 5 for women and 1 in 10 for men.
• Only 4 in 10 Americans would talk to their doctor right away when experiencing early memory or cognitive loss.
• 7 in 10 Americans would want to know early if they have Alzheimer’s disease if it could allow for better treatment.
• Between 2020 and 2030, 1.2 million additional direct care workers will be needed to care for the growing population of people living with dementia — the largest worker gap in the U.S.

As the size of the U.S. population aged 65 and older continues to grow, so too will the number and proportion of Americans with Alzheimer’s or other dementias. By 2050, the number of people age 65 and older with Alzheimer’s may grow to a projected 12.7 million, barring the development of medical breakthroughs to prevent or cure Alzheimer’s disease.

Importance of Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month

June serves as a platform to raise awareness, challenge stigma, and advocate for support for individuals affected by Alzheimer's. We discuss the significance of dedicating a whole month to Alzheimer's and brain health awareness, emphasizing the need for education, research funding, and improved access to innovative technologies.

We encourage readers to participate in Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month initiatives, such as fundraising events, educational programs, and community outreach activities. By actively engaging in these efforts, individuals can contribute to the cause and support ongoing research and innovation in the field of cognitive health.

Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month serves as a reminder to prioritize cognitive health, support affected individuals and their families, and embrace innovative technologies in healthcare. As a manufacturer of wireless vital sign monitoring systems for hospitals, we are committed to advancing patient care and contributing to the fight against Alzheimer's disease. Together, let's raise awareness, foster understanding, and pave the way for a future where cognitive health is prioritized and empowered by cutting-edge technology.