Take Charge of Your Brain Health — For You and Your Loved Ones

The Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) joins the Alzheimer’s Association® in encouraging Arizonans to take proactive steps toward protecting their brain health and reducing the risk of cognitive decline. 

More than 7 million Americans are currently living with Alzheimer’s disease. In Arizona, this number is growing, with our aging population especially at risk. Two-thirds of Americans have at least one major potential risk factor for dementia. Brain changes linked to Alzheimer’s may begin 20 years or more before symptoms appear, providing a critical window for early action and prevention.

Protect Your Brain with Healthy Habits

While age is the greatest known risk factor for Alzheimer’s, as many as 45% of dementia cases may be linked to modifiable lifestyle choices, including:

• Managing high blood pressure
• Getting regular physical activity
• Eating nutritious, brain-healthy foods
• Prioritizing good sleep
• Staying socially and mentally active

The Alzheimer’s Association promotes 10 Healthy Habits you can adopt at any age to support your cognitive well-being. These habits are backed by research and include challenging your mind, managing chronic conditions, and engaging in regular exercise.

Early Detection Matters

Half of those living with Alzheimer’s never receive a formal diagnosis, delaying care and limiting access to treatment and planning tools. ADHS encourages all Arizonans to know the 10 early warning signs of Alzheimer’s and talk to a doctor if you notice memory loss, confusion, or other cognitive concerns in yourself or a loved one.

Early detection and diagnosis can make a real difference and is critical. New treatments are now available that can slow the progression of Alzheimer’s in its early stages. If you’re experiencing memory or thinking issues, don’t wait, get evaluated and take control of your health.

Join the Movement to End Alzheimer’s

During Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month, join ADHS and the Alzheimer’s Association in supporting brain health and raising awareness:

• Adopt the 10 Healthy Habits: It’s never too early or too late to take action. Learn more at alz.org/healthyhabits.
• Go purple: Purple is the color of the Alzheimer’s movement. Wear purple this June, share your brain health journey, and use #ENDALZ to raise awareness.
• Stay Informed: ADHS works in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association to share tools, programs, and resources that help individuals, caregivers, and communities across Arizona.

Visit azdhs.gov/healthybrain to learn more. Together, we can take action to reduce risk, support families, and move toward a future without Alzheimer’s.

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Approved Article from Alzheimer’s Association – used in creation of ADHS article 

June is Alzheimer’s Brain Awareness Month

This June during Alzheimer’s Brain Awareness Month, the Alzheimer’s Association ® is encouraging all Americans to take charge of their brain health. 

Today, there are more than 7 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s. 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 we can 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.

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.

Be Proactive in Addressing Brain Changes

Only half of those with Alzheimer’s disease ever receive a diagnosis, delaying needed care and

potentially putting them at risk. Another important way to take charge of your health is to know the early warning signs of Alzheimer’s and other dementia and be proactive in addressing them.

Early detection and diagnosis of Alzheimer’s is more important than ever. Early detection offers

significant benefits for the person diagnosed and their loved ones, including greater access to treatment options and the ability to plan for the future.

There are now treatments that can slow disease progression for people in the early stage of Alzheimer’s, making a timely diagnosis critically important. If you or someone you know is experiencing memory or thinking problems, it’s important to get it checked. Talk to your doctor so you can make an informed decision on available treatments to determine if they are right for you. 

Join the Fight to End Alzheimer’s 

During Alzheimer’s Brain Awareness Month, the Alzheimer’s Association invites everyone to join us in the fight to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia. Here’s what you can do:  

• Adopt the 10 Healthy Habits: It is never too early or too late to start taking positive actions for

your brain. Visit alz.org/healthyhabits to learn more!

• Go purple: Throughout the month of June, go purple — the color of the Alzheimer’s movement

— to raise awareness of the disease. Dress in purple and share your story on social media using the hashtag #ENDALZ.