Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month: Early Signs, Brain Health and 8 Ways to Help

Originally published June 5, 2023 · Last reviewed and updated June 2026

Every June, Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month gives families a chance to learn, talk, and take action. But today, awareness means more than wearing purple. It means understanding the early signs of Alzheimer's, knowing what may be normal aging, supporting caregivers, and getting help sooner when memory changes begin to affect daily life.

Below, you'll find a practical guide to Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month, including warning signs to watch for, brain health tips, ways to support the cause, and guidance for families wondering when memory care may be the right next step.

What Is Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month?

Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month is observed every June to raise awareness of Alzheimer's disease and other dementias, support families and caregivers, promote brain health, and fund research.

Many people participate by wearing purple, sharing educational resources, using #ENDALZ on social media, joining The Longest Day, or talking with loved ones about early signs of memory loss.

Recent awareness efforts have placed greater focus on brain health and early detection. According to the Alzheimer's Association's 2026 Facts and Figures report, nearly 9 in 10 Americans say maintaining brain health is very important — yet fewer than 1 in 10 say they actually know much about how to protect it. Closing that gap is something we work on every day in our Memory Care communities, and it's at the heart of Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month.

Why Early Detection Matters

One of the most meaningful things families can do during Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month is learn what to watch for.

Early detection can help families:

• Rule out treatable causes of memory changes
• Access care and support sooner
• Discuss treatment options with a healthcare provider
• Make legal, financial, and care plans while the person can still participate
• Reduce stress by giving families more time to prepare

Memory changes can feel scary to talk about, but waiting usually makes things harder. If you notice changes that interfere with daily life, it is worth starting a conversation with a healthcare provider.

Normal Aging vs. the Early Signs of Alzheimer's

One of the most common questions families ask us is: "Is this just normal aging, or is it something more?" It's one of the most important questions you can ask — because early detection opens the door to better care, planning, and treatment options.

Here's the key distinction: occasional forgetfulness is a normal part of aging. Memory loss that disrupts daily life is not.

Normal Aging vs. Possible Early Signs of Alzheimer’s

Typical aging: Forgetting a name or appointment, then remembering it later
Possible early sign: Forgetting recently learned information and not recalling it, even with reminders

Typical aging: Occasionally needing help with a new device or setting
Possible early sign: Struggling to follow a familiar recipe or keep track of monthly bills

Typical aging: Misplacing keys and retracing your steps to find them
Possible early sign: Putting items in unusual places and being unable to retrace steps

Typical aging: Briefly feeling unsure of the day, then figuring it out
Possible early sign: Losing track of dates, seasons, or the passage of time

Typical aging: Getting tired of work or social obligations sometimes
Possible early sign: Withdrawing from hobbies, work, or social activities

Typical aging: Making an occasional error balancing the checkbook
Possible early sign: Difficulty with numbers, problem-solving, or following a plan

The defining theme is interference with daily life. Forgetting where you parked is normal. Forgetting how to get home from a familiar place is not.

If you're noticing several of these signs in yourself or a loved one, the most important step is to talk with a healthcare provider. Early evaluation can rule out treatable conditions and, when needed, connect families with the right support. If you're beginning to wonder what level of care might help, our guide to starting the conversation about senior living is a gentle, practical place to begin.

Alzheimer's vs. Dementia: What's the Difference?

It's a common point of confusion, and understanding it helps families have clearer conversations with doctors.

Alzheimer's disease is a degenerative brain disease and the most common form of dementia — accounting for an estimated 60–80% of cases. According to the National Institute on Aging, it slowly destroys memory and thinking skills and, eventually, the ability to carry out the simplest tasks.

Dementia is not a single disease. It's an umbrella term for a group of symptoms — the loss of cognitive functions like thinking, remembering, and reasoning — severe enough to interfere with daily life.

Other types of dementia can affect memory, movement, behavior, and thinking in different ways. For example, families navigating Lewy body dementia may notice changes that look different from Alzheimer's. Learn more in our guide to Lewy body dementia for loved ones.

In short: all Alzheimer's is dementia, but not all dementia is Alzheimer's. For a deeper explanation, read our guide to dementia and Alzheimer's and how they differ.

Alzheimer's by the Numbers

The scale of Alzheimer's continues to grow, which is exactly why awareness matters. According to the Alzheimer's Association's 2026 Facts and Figures report:

• An estimated 7.4 million Americans age 65 and older have Alzheimer's dementia.
• Nearly three-quarters (74%) of those affected are age 75 or older.
• About 1 in 9 people age 65 and older has Alzheimer's dementia.
• More than 12 million Americans provide unpaid care for someone with Alzheimer's or another dementia.
• Without medical breakthroughs, the number of Americans age 65+ living with Alzheimer's is projected to reach 13.8 million by 2060.

Everyone with a brain is at risk, and there is still no cure. But research increasingly shows that healthy habits and early detection can make a meaningful difference — which is why understanding the warning signs is so important.

The History of Alzheimer's Awareness

In 1983, President Ronald Reagan designated November as National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month, at a time when fewer than 2 million Americans had the disease. As prevalence has climbed, so has awareness — in 2021, President Joe Biden reaffirmed the White House's commitment to accelerating research toward a cure.

June was later dubbed Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month to highlight brain health worldwide. The Alzheimer's Association tied the effort to June's summer solstice — the longest day of the year — creating The Longest Day, a day for supporters to fight the darkness of Alzheimer's through an activity of their choice. Globally, Alzheimer's Disease International named September 21 as World Alzheimer's Day in 1994.

8 Ways to Honor Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month

1. Support a caregiver

Caring for someone with Alzheimer's can be overwhelming. Recognize the caregiver in your life with a kind gesture, a few hours of respite, or simply a listening ear.

If you're a caregiver yourself, our 5 expert tips to prevent caregiver burnout can help you protect your own well-being — and for families who need a planned break, respite care can offer short-term, professional support.

2. Share your story

So many of us have a story connected to this disease. Sharing yours can offer hope to other families and inspire more people to join the fight.

If you'd like to turn that experience into ongoing support for others, consider volunteering at an American House community near you. Our residents and Memory Care programming are enriched every day by the time friends, family, and neighbors give back.

3. Go purple

Purple is the official color of the Alzheimer's movement. Wear it throughout June to spark conversations and raise awareness.

It may seem simple, but visibility matters. A purple shirt, ribbon, porch light, or social media post can open the door to meaningful conversations about brain health, caregiving, and support.

4. Learn the 10 healthy habits for your brain

This year's campaign centers on brain health. Research suggests that staying physically active, socially connected, and mentally engaged supports a healthy aging brain.

Explore the Alzheimer's Association's 10 ways to love your brain and consider choosing one habit to focus on this month.

5. Fundraise on The Longest Day

On June 21 — the summer solstice — people across the world raise funds through walks, games, gatherings, and personal challenges.

The idea behind The Longest Day is powerful: on the day with the most light, participants fight the darkness of Alzheimer's. You can start or join a fundraiser through the Alzheimer's Association.

6. Get social

Spread the word using #ENDALZ and #TheLongestDay on Instagram, Facebook, and beyond. Adding the Alzheimer's Association frame to your profile picture is a simple way to help.

You can also share trusted resources about the early signs of Alzheimer's, caregiver support, and brain health. Sometimes, one shared post helps another family recognize that it may be time to ask for help.

7. Become an advocate

Sign up through the Alzheimer's Association's advocacy network to receive alerts about simple actions that influence national policy — like supporting legislation that makes early detection standard care.

Advocacy can feel intimidating, but it often starts with small steps: sending a message, making a call, sharing your story, or supporting policies that improve care and research funding.

8. Prioritize early detection

Perhaps the most powerful action this year: don't wait. If you or a loved one is noticing memory changes, ask a doctor about a cognitive screening.

Early detection offers the best opportunity for care, treatment, and planning. It also gives families more time to understand options and make decisions together.

When Should Families Consider Memory Care?

A diagnosis of Alzheimer's or another dementia does not always mean a move is needed right away. Many families begin with support at home, help from loved ones, or respite care.

However, memory care may be worth exploring when memory loss begins to affect safety, nutrition, medication routines, personal hygiene, sleep, or a caregiver's ability to rest and recover.

Families may want to start asking questions when they notice:

• Wandering or getting lost in familiar places
• Missed medications or medication mistakes
• Increased confusion in the evening
• Poor nutrition or skipped meals
• Changes in hygiene or personal care
• Unsafe cooking, driving, or household habits
• Caregiver stress, exhaustion, or burnout
• Withdrawal from hobbies, friends, or family routines

Planning ahead does not mean rushing into a decision. It simply gives families more time, more options, and more peace of mind.

If you're comparing different levels of care, our guide to assisted living vs. nursing homes can help clarify which setting may be the better fit for your loved one's needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month?

Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month is observed every June by the Alzheimer's Association to raise awareness, fund research, and support the millions of families affected by Alzheimer's and other dementias. Activities include wearing purple, sharing #ENDALZ on social media, and participating in The Longest Day fundraising events on the summer solstice.

What's the difference between normal aging and early signs of Alzheimer's?

Occasional forgetfulness — like misplacing your keys or briefly forgetting a name — is a normal part of aging. Early signs of Alzheimer's involve memory loss that disrupts daily life, such as forgetting recently learned information even with reminders, losing track of dates or seasons, or struggling to follow a familiar recipe. The defining difference is interference with daily life.

What is the difference between Alzheimer's disease and dementia?

Alzheimer's disease is a specific, degenerative brain disease and the most common cause of dementia, accounting for an estimated 60–80% of cases. Dementia is a broader umbrella term for a group of symptoms — including loss of memory, thinking, and reasoning — that are severe enough to interfere with daily life. All Alzheimer's is dementia, but not all dementia is Alzheimer's. Learn more in our guide to dementia and Alzheimer's and how they differ.

How many Americans have Alzheimer's?

According to the Alzheimer's Association's 2026 Facts and Figures report, an estimated 7.4 million Americans age 65 and older have Alzheimer's dementia. About 1 in 9 people age 65 and older has the disease, and nearly three-quarters of those affected are age 75 or older.

When should I talk to a doctor about memory changes?

If you or a loved one is noticing memory changes that interfere with daily life — such as difficulty managing finances, repeating questions, or getting lost in familiar places — it's time to talk with a healthcare provider. Early evaluation can rule out treatable conditions and open the door to better care, planning, and treatment options.

What should I do if my parent is showing signs of memory loss?

Start by writing down the changes you've noticed, including when they happen and how often. Then schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider to rule out treatable causes and discuss cognitive screening. If memory changes are affecting safety, daily routines, or caregiver well-being, it may also help to speak with a memory care specialist about support options.

What is The Longest Day?

The Longest Day is the Alzheimer's Association's signature fundraising event, held annually on June 21 — the summer solstice and the longest day of the year. Supporters fight "the darkness of Alzheimer's" through an activity of their choice, from walks and games to community gatherings.

What types of care should families compare when memory needs change?

Families often compare in-home support, assisted living, memory care, and nursing home care. The right option depends on safety, medical needs, daily support needs, and caregiver capacity. If you're trying to understand the differences, our guide to assisted living vs. nursing homes can help.

How American House Supports Families Facing Memory Loss

For more than 45 years, American House has walked alongside families navigating dementia — and our team brings real clinical and cognitive-care expertise to that work. Our personalized Living Well Memory Care program is designed to help residents live with dignity and purpose through every stage of dementia.

In our dedicated Memory Care neighborhoods, we meet each resident where they are on their journey. We offer full-service amenities, structured wellness programming, and cognitive engagement designed around each person's unique history, abilities, and needs — because we believe quality of life doesn't end with a diagnosis.

If your family is beginning to explore options, our Memory Care experts are here to answer your questions with compassion and no pressure. American House has communities in Florida, Illinois, Michigan, Missouri, New Hampshire, South Carolina, and Tennessee, offering Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care*, Respite Care, and Hospice Care*.

Contact us today to learn which American House community is right for your family — or call us at (866) 694-2028.

Care provided by an independent, third-party health care provider at select communities.

This article is for informational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have concerns about memory or cognition, please consult a qualified healthcare provider.