June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month

Written by SJPL Librarian, Yannina Yang

Coming on the heels of Mental Health Awareness Month in May, June strives to bring us a better understanding of one of the most common forms of dementia - Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s, combined with other forms of dementia, will affect 1 in 3 seniors as they age. Proper diagnosis is crucial to providing the proper treatment as soon as possible.

Here are a few more sobering facts from the Alzheimer’s Association’s website: More than 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s and that number is projected to increase to nearly 13 million by 2050. While deaths from heart disease decreased by 7.3% between 200 and 2019, deaths from Alzheimer’s increased 143%. And Alzheimer’s and Dementia deaths have since increased 16% during the Covid-19 Pandemic.

Trying to understand the difference between Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, or not knowing what to do if you think you or someone you know may have one of these conditions can be both confusing and a little scary. This is where organizations like the Alzheimer’s Association and resources available at your local library are here to help. Check out one of the programs offered directly from the Alzheimer’s Association.

Recommended Resources

Alzheimer's Association 24/7 Helpline: 1-800-272-3900

Alzheimer's Association Website: https://alz.org

Topics explored on the website include:

• I Have Alzheimer’s - Support for individuals who have been diagnosed
• What is Alzheimer's Disease
• How are Alzheimer's Disease and other Dementias Diagnosed
• Caregiver Self-Care
• Click & Go Activity List to Engage Your Loved One
• Ways to Get Involved

Recommend Reading and Viewing for All Ages

Activities & Brain Health

For Caregivers

The 36 Hour Day is also available as an audiobook, in older editions and in Spanish: Cuando el día tiene 36 horas: una guía para cuidar a enfermos con Alzheimer, pérdida de memoria y demencia senil - Nancy L. Mace, Nancy.

Biographies and Autobiographies

For Children

For Teens and Adults

Still Alice is also available in Chinese: 我想念我自己 Wo xiang nian wo zi ji, Vietnamese: Vẫn là Alice, and Russian: Навеки Элис Naveki Ėlis.

Documentaries and Feature Films