Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month is observed each June to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and other brain disorders. The observance is also celebrated to promote brain and cognitive health initiative and encourage research participation to learn about early detection.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, as of 2026 nearly 7.4 million Americans age 65 and older have been diagnosed with this life-altering disease. By 2050, this statistic is projected to nearly double, and by 2060, studies show 13.8 million will have been diagnosed.
The stats show early two-thirds of people with Alzheimer’s disease are women. Older Black Americans are twice as likely to acquire the disease, or other dementias compared to older white Americans or the older Hispanic population.
Though Alzheimer’s and dementia are often used interchangeably, the difference is that dementia is a decline in mental ability that interferes with daily life, while Alzheimer’s is a specific brain disease, and considered the most common cause of dementia, according to the Mayo Clinic.
The state of Florida has one of the highest rates of Alzheimer’s in our nation, with clinical care needs and requirements at higher levels than most states. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, nearly 600,000 Floridians are living with Alzheimer’s. This figure represents roughly 12.5% of Florida’s population aged 65 and older.
“The ramifications of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias extend far beyond memory loss. It impacts entire families, communities, and weighs down the fabric of daily life,” said Michelle Branham, Secretary of the Florida Department of Elder Affairs. “In 2022, under the leadership of Gov. Ron DeSantis, the Department founded the Florida Alzheimer’s Center for Excellence (FACE). Over the course of four years, FACE has shown what can happen when we provide caregivers with the right support at the right time.”
Since the program’s launch, FACE has been overwhelmingly effective. The initiative has increased access to crucial resources and clinical trials earlier in diagnosis, reduced falls by 86%, reduced hospitalizations by 81% and decreased caregiver stress by 43%.
FACE is about preserving independence, dignity, and quality of life for those living with dementia, along with their caregivers, while also allowing patients to age in the place of their choosing for as long as they choose. Luckily, for residents in the Central Florida region, FACE is one of multiple resources. The Alzheimer’s Association covers 43 counties statewide, hosting support groups, education, advocacy, and research resources.
For those living in Osceola County, the Osceola Council on Aging hosts an Adult Day Health Care for elderly members of our community, and those living with cognitive disorders.
“Those with Alzheimer’s can benefit from social interaction and engagement in individual and group settings,” said Karen Stout, Osceola Council on Aging’s certified therapeutic recreation specialist and program manager. “As the disease progresses, patients may require increasing assistance with general activities and daily personal care and are happy to support that process.”
For more information on OCOA services, call 407-4831494. To reach other Alzheimer’s Association chapters, visit www. alz.org/cnfl.
