World Alzheimer’s Month, established in 2012, occurs every September. The initiative was created to give Alzheimer’s and dementia associations worldwide the opportunity to extend their awareness and advocacy efforts beyond World Alzheimer’s Day, which takes place on September 21.
Alzheimer’s is the most prevalent type of dementia, a brain condition that impairs the areas responsible for thought, memory, and language. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, in 2020 54,000 Kansans aged 65 and older had Alzheimer’s, and in 2021 there were 805 deaths from the disease.
Alzheimer’s and related dementias can significantly impair a person’s ability to perform daily activities. Although the risk of developing Alzheimer’s increases with age, it is not considered a normal part of aging. Most individuals with Alzheimer’s disease are over 65 years old, though it can also occur in those younger than 65.
The exact cause of Alzheimer’s is not known, but it is likely the result of multiple factors, similar to other chronic conditions. Managing high blood pressure, engaging in regular exercise, and quitting smoking may help reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offer these tips that may help reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s:
- Prevent and manage high blood pressure. Tens of millions of American adults have high blood pressure, and many do not have it under control.
- Manage blood sugar. Learn how to manage your blood sugar if you have diabetes.
- Maintain a healthy weight. Healthy eating and regular physical activity can help you maintain a healthy weight.
- Be physically active. Physical activity can improve thinking, reduce risk of depression and anxiety, and help you sleep better.
- Quit smoking. Quitting smoking now may help maintain brain health and can reduce your risk of heart disease, cancer, lung disease, and other smoking-related illnesses. Free Quitline: 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669)
- Avoid excessive drinking. If you drink, do so in moderation.
- Prevent and correct hearing loss. Make sure to talk to a hearing care professional to treat and manage hearing loss.
- Get enough sleep. A third of American adults report that they usually get less sleep than the recommended amount. How much sleep do you need? It depends on your age.
