Raising awareness about Alzheimer’s disease

June is Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month.

In observance, the Alzheimer’s Association is revealing insights from people living with early-stage dementia and what they wish others knew about living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.

Here are six things people shared with the Alzheimer’s Association:

• “My Alzheimer’s diagnosis does not define me. Although an Alzheimer’s diagnosis is life changing, many living with the disease say their diagnosis does not change who they are. Many diagnosed individuals say they want to continue doing the activities they enjoy for as long as possible and stay engaged with family and friends.”

• “If you want to know how I am doing, just ask me. The sudden change in how others communicate with someone recently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or another dementia is a frustrating experience for many living with the disease. Many individuals say it can be upsetting when family and friends only check on the person through a spouse or an adult child. They say avoiding or side-stepping direct communication only makes them feel more isolated and alone.”

• “Yes, younger people can have dementia. While the vast majority of Americans affected by Alzheimer’s and other dementia are age 65 and older, the disease can affect younger individuals. Those diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s (before age 65) say it is important for others to avoid the common misconception that Alzheimer’s and other dementia only affects older people and to take cognitive concerns seriously at any age.”

• Please don’t debate my diagnosis or tell me I don’t look like I have Alzheimer’s. While family members and friends may be well-intended in attempting to dismiss an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, many living with the disease say such responses can be offensive. If someone says they have been diagnosed with dementia, take them at their word.”

• “Understand sometimes my words and actions are not me, it’s my disease. As Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia progresses, individuals can experience a wide range of disease-related behaviors, including anxiety, aggression and confusion. Diagnosed individuals say it’s important for others to recognize disease-related symptoms, so they are better prepared to support the person and navigate communication and behavioral challenges.”

• “An Alzheimer’s diagnosis does not mean my life is over. Earlier detection and diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia is enabling diagnosed individuals more time to plan their futures and prioritize doing the things most important to them. Many people living with early-stage Alzheimer’s and dementia say they want to continue living active, fulfilling lives for as long as possible.”

Elizabeth Edgerly, executive director of the Alzheimer’s Association Northern California and Northern Nevada Chapter, said, “The stigma surrounding Alzheimer’s and other dementia is due in large part to a lack of understanding of the disease. These personal insights from people living with early-stage dementia highlight common disease-related stigmas and provide valuable guidance for improving how California residents can support and engage these individuals.”

During Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, the Alzheimer’s Association encourages everyone to learn more about disease-related challenges facing those living with Alzheimer’s and other dementia.

The Alzheimer’s Association offers guidance for navigating every stage of the disease. Its Live Well series provides tips to help early-stage individuals live their best lives. For other disease-related information and resources, visit alz.org.

The Longest Day

The Alzheimer’s Association invites all California residents to participate in “The Longest Day” on June 21. Held annually on the summer solstice, The Longest Day invites participants to fight the darkness of Alzheimer’s through a fundraising activity of their choice.

Throughout the month and culminating on June 21, Longest Day participants are baking, biking, hiking, golfing, knitting, playing bridge and participate in other favorite activities to raise funds and awareness for the care, support and research efforts of the Alzheimer’s Association. For more information and to register, visit alz.org/thelongestday.

To learn more about the Alzheimer’s Association, go to alz.org.

Walk to End Alzheimer’s

The seventh annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s — Humboldt County will take place on Oct. 8 at the Adorni Center in Eureka. Participants will walk either a one- or three-mile course and can learn about

Alzheimer’s disease, advocacy opportunities, clinical studies enrollment and support programs and services from the Alzheimer’s Association. Walk participants will also join in a tribute ceremony to honor those affected by Alzheimer’s disease.

There is no fee to register and no limit on the numbers of team members. According to Alzheimer’s Association Community Engagement Manager Kim Coelho, this event is held in over 600 communities nationwide to promote awareness about the disease and to raise funds.

“Participating in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s helps to take away the stigma from this disease, it helps start the conversation,” Coelho said.

To register to participate in the walk, go to act.alz.org/Humboldt or text ALZWALK to 51555.