June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month ~ Domenico Pratico, MD, FCPP
- June 3, 2024
This June, let’s all go purple because this month is dedicated to Alzheimer’s and Brain Health Awareness, and purple is the official color of the Alzheimer’s movement. June should be an opportunity for all of us to hold conversations about brain health and share the fact that Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias are a major public health issue. By doing so, we can engage more people in our quest for a cure.
Here are some important facts and figures we should keep alive in our discussions and make people around us aware of:
– More than 55 million people around the globe suffer from Alzheimer’s disease.
– Almost 7 million people aged 65 and older in the U.S.A. are living with Alzheimer’s disease.
– One in 3 seniors dies with Alzheimer’s or another dementia.
– Alzheimer’s disease kills more than breast and prostate cancer combined.
– Over 11 million Americans provide care for people with Alzheimer’s or other dementias without any pay.
– In recent years, deaths from heart disease have decreased by about 2.1%, while deaths from Alzheimer’s disease have increased by 141%.
– More than 55 million people around the globe suffer from Alzheimer’s disease.
– Almost 7 million people aged 65 and older in the U.S.A. are living with Alzheimer’s disease.
– One in 3 seniors dies with Alzheimer’s or another dementia.
– Alzheimer’s disease kills more than breast and prostate cancer combined.
– Over 11 million Americans provide care for people with Alzheimer’s or other dementias without any pay.
– In recent years, deaths from heart disease have decreased by about 2.1%, while deaths from Alzheimer’s disease have increased by 141%.
Additionally, during this month, I hope that as many people as possible around the globe will come together on a special day to raise awareness and funds for the fight against Alzheimer’s disease. That day is June 21st, known as “The Longest Day.” From sunrise to sunset, groups of people will engage in different activities to honor those facing Alzheimer’s disease with strength, passion, and endurance. I encourage you to form teams of different sizes and create your own experience while you fundraise and take part in activities that you enjoy to honor someone facing the disease. You could run a half-marathon, participate in a bike race, organize a soccer tournament, host a day of card games, or have a painting session. Anything you do during “The Longest Day” will make an impact in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease.
Together, let’s all go purple and make this month memorable for the battle we are fighting against this disease. Knowledge is the power that will lead to success, so the more people know about Alzheimer’s, the more action we will inspire in them. Thanks to everyone in advance for the part they will play during this month to celebrate this cause and remind everyone that we will never find a cure unless we stand united and engage more and more people in this crusade against Alzheimer’s disease.
Domenico Praticò, MD, is the Scott Richards North Star Charitable Foundation Chair for Alzheimer’s Research, Professor and Director of the Alzheimer’s Center at Temple, and Professor of Pharmacology at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University
You can find out more information on Dr. Domenico Pratico’s research papers here.
Follow Dr Domenico Pratico‘s lab website here: Pratico Lab
