Let's talk about something we don't like to think about... June is Alzheimer’s & Brain Health Awareness Month. As a nurse and health educator who spends some of my time working with seniors, I want to talk about this condition in a way that feels helpful. An estimated 7.2 million Americans aged 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s, one of many types of dementia, right now. That number could grow to 13.8 million by 2060 if no major breakthroughs change the trajectory. Alzheimer’s is also the fifth-leading cause of death among Americans age 65 and older. So let’s talk about it: what it is, what you can do, and where hope is growing.
## What Is Alzheimer’s, Really Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia. It’s a disease that slowly damages the brain over time, affecting memory first, then thinking, and eventually the ability to handle everyday life. Here’s the simple version of what’s happening inside the brain: * Sticky protein clumps called amyloid plaques build up between brain cells and interfere with signaling. * Twisted protein fibers called tau tangles form inside brain cells and contribute to cell damage. * Chronic inflammation also appears to play a major role, helping drive ongoing injury in the brain. Alzheimer’s is not a normal part of aging. The risk rises with age, and most cases occur in people over 75, but it is still a disease. It’s not an inevitable consequence of getting older!
## What You Can Do One of the most encouraging findings in brain health research is that lifestyle matters. The 2024 Lancet Commission estimated that up to 45% of dementia cases could potentially be delayed or reduced by addressing modifiable risk factors as we age. Maintaining good health practices makes a big difference! Keep Moving Exercise may be one of the most powerful things you can do for brain health. Observational research suggests that being more active is connected to lower dementia risk. Even walking modest amounts each day may help. That said, these findings show association rather than proof of cause and effect. You do not need to train for a marathon. A practical goal is 30 minutes of brisk walking most days, plus strength training a couple of times per week, is enough. If that sounds like too much, start with an amount of time that feels right for you. Eat to Support Your Brain Food matters for brain health. A simple rule is to eat colorful, minimally processed foods most of the time. * Protein helps support the production of neurotransmitters. * Omega-3 fats, especially EPA and DHA from fatty fish, support overall brain and cardiovascular health. * The MIND diet - a blend of Mediterranean and DASH-style eating - has been linked to better brain outcomes in multiple studies. Protect Your Heart Your brain is fed by your heart. High blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and obesity all raise dementia risk. If your clinician has recommended medication or lifestyle changes for any of these, consistency matters. Protecting blood vessels is one of the best ways to protect the brain.
## Medications There are two broad categories of Alzheimer’s medications: older symptom-management drugs and newer disease-targeting therapies. 1. Symptom-Management Medications Cholinesterase inhibitors, including donepezil, rivastigmine, and galantamine, can help with memory and daily function in some people, especially earlier in the disease. Memantine is used more often in moderate-to-severe Alzheimer’s disease and may help with cognition and function. These medications do not stop the disease, but they can improve quality of life. 2. Disease-Targeting Medications For the first time, we now have FDA-approved medications that target amyloid and modestly slow cognitive decline in early-stage Alzheimer’s disease. * Lecanemab (Leqembi) was approved in 2023 for early Alzheimer’s disease. It is given by infusion and targets amyloid plaques. * Donanemab (Kisunla) was approved by the FDA in 2024 for adults with Alzheimer’s disease, and treatment should begin in people with mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia, the population studied in clinical trials. It is also given by infusion and targets amyloid. These medications are not cures, and the benefit is modest rather than dramatic. They do represent a real shift in treatment. Both carry risks, and you should speak to your healthcare provider if you want to learn more. What About CBD? I get asked about CBD a lot, so it’s worth addressing honestly. CBD is not FDA-approved to treat or prevent Alzheimer’s, and human evidence is still early. Most of the encouraging findings so far come from preclinical research, where CBD has shown anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Research on CBD seems to be coming out slowly but surely. Many people who use it as a supplement find it helps with memory, agitation, and sleep. If you are considering CBD, especially if you take blood thinners or other medications, it is important to talk with a healthcare professional first.
## The Bigger Picture Alzheimer’s is serious, but it is not inevitable. Move your body regularly, eat in a way that supports heart and brain health, manage blood pressure and blood sugar, and pay attention to early memory changes. We are in a new era of Alzheimer’s care, one where prevention, earlier detection, and more targeted treatment are finally getting the attention they deserve. That is worth recognizing this June. Sources: Alzheimer’s Association 2025 Facts & Figures; The Lancet Commission 2024; FDA approval information for donanemab; Alzheimer’s Association information on lecanemab. This article is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always talk with your healthcare provider before starting any new medication, supplement, or health regimen.
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