Alzheimer’s Association encourages Americans to take charge of their brain health

ROCHESTER, NY (June 5, 2025) – This June during Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month, the Alzheimer’s Association is encouraging all Americans to take charge of their brain health.

Today, more than 7 million people age 65 and older in the U.S. are living with Alzheimer’s dementia, including 426,500 in New York State. Two-thirds of Americans have at least one major potential risk factor for dementia. The brain changes that cause Alzheimer’s are thought to begin 20 years or more before symptoms start, which suggests that there may be a substantial window of time in which to intervene in the progression of the disease.

Experts believe there isn’t a single cause of Alzheimer’s. It’s likely the disease develops as a result of multiple factors. While not a direct cause of Alzheimer’s, the greatest known risk factor is advancing age. Although some risk factors like age can’t be changed, as many as 45% of dementia cases may be attributable to modifiable risk factors, such as high blood pressure and lack of physical activity. Research shows that adopting healthy behaviors — like getting exercise and good quality sleep — can improve your brain health and reduce the risk of cognitive decline.

“Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month offers the perfect opportunity for Rochester and Finger Lakes Region residents to take charge of their brain health,” says Arlene Wilson, senior director of programs for the Rochester & Finger Lakes Region Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. “What is good for the heart is good for the brain. We want people to know there are steps they can take to keep their brains healthy.

“We also want to encourage anyone experiencing memory or thinking problems to talk to their doctor. There are many possible causes — and if it is Alzheimer’s disease, there are numerous benefits to getting a timely diagnosis.”  

During June, the Alzheimer’s Association is offering five suggestions to take charge of your brain health:

1. Incorporate healthy habits that may reduce the risk of cognitive decline: Based on mounting scientific evidence, the Alzheimer’s Association encourages individuals to incorporate these 10 Healthy Habits — such as challenging your mind and eating healthier foods — to help protect brain health. Whatever your age or stage of life, now is the time to take charge of your brain health.

2. Learn the early warning signs of Alzheimer’s and other dementia: While memory loss is one of the most common signs of Alzheimer’s, other warning signs can signal cognitive decline, including altered judgment, mood changes, challenges in decision-making, and planning and carrying out projects. The Alzheimer’s Association offers 10 Early Signs and Symptoms of Alzheimer’s to help people identify potential early warning signs.

3. Be proactive in addressing memory and thinking problems: Studies show many individuals experiencing memory and thinking problems often put off discussing them with a doctor. However, early detection and diagnosis of Alzheimer’s and other dementia offers the best opportunity for care, management and treatment. It also provides diagnosed individuals more time to plan for the future, participate in clinical trials and to live with a higher quality of life for as long as possible. In addition, there are now treatments that can slow disease progression for people in the early stage of Alzheimer's, making a timely diagnosis critically important.

4. Help accelerate disease-related research: Clinical trials hold the key to new and better Alzheimer's disease treatments. Today, more than 50,000 participants are needed in current Alzheimer’s clinical trials examining potential new treatments — with hundreds of thousands more needed in broader dementia research studies. The Alzheimer’s Association TrialMatch® is a free, easy-to-use service that connects interested individuals with appropriate trials.

5. Volunteer with the Alzheimer’s Association: As an Alzheimer’s Association volunteer, you can help those in your community take steps to reduce their dementia risk and recognize the signs of Alzheimer’s. Our education and support programs are flexible and easy to learn, giving you the opportunity to become a leader in the effort to end Alzheimer’s.

Wilson encourages community members to visit the Rochester & Finger Lakes Region Chapter website at alz.org/RFL or call the 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900 to learn more about the many free education, care and support programs offered to those living with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers throughout the nine counties in the region.

About Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month

Established by the Alzheimer’s Association in 2014, Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month is dedicated to encouraging a global conversation about the brain and Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia. To learn more about the Alzheimer’s Association, available resources and how you can get involved to support the cause, visit alz.org/abam.

About the Alzheimer’s Association

The Alzheimer’s Association is a worldwide voluntary health organization dedicated to Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Our mission is to lead the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s and all other dementia. Visit alz.org or call 800.272.3900.

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