June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Health Month—a time to raise awareness, reduce stigma and commit to protecting our cognitive well-being as we age. Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias affect millions of families across the country, including many in our own community.

Whether you’re a caregiver, a loved one or someone concerned about memory changes, learning about dementia and recognizing early signs can make a significant difference in improving outcomes and preserving quality of life.

Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia

Alzheimer’s is the most-common form of dementia—a group of conditions that affect memory, thinking, judgment and behavior. While some memory lapses are a normal part of aging, Alzheimer’s is not. Misplacing your keys is one thing; forgetting how to get home from lunch on Main Street is something else entirely.

Alzheimer’s accounts for 60 to 80% of all dementia cases. It is a progressive and irreversible brain disease that slowly strips away memory, independence and identity. The most-common early symptom is difficulty retaining newly learned information. As the disease advances it can lead to confusion, disorientation, language problems, mood shifts and personality changes.

One of the most-common misconceptions is that dementia only affects memory. In fact, it can impair reasoning, speech, motor skills and emotional control. Many people with early Alzheimer’s struggle with organizing tasks or show subtle personality changes before memory issues become noticeable.

The Numbers—and the Human Side

More than 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s, a number projected to double by 2050 without major medical breakthroughs. It is the fifth-leading cause of death among older adults and one of the costliest conditions in the United States, both emotionally and economically.

According to the 2025 Massachusetts Healthy Aging Community Profile, Falmouth has over 10,800 residents age 65 and older. Of those, more than 1,100—about 11%—are living with Alzheimer’s. But behind those statistics are real people—our spouses, siblings, friends and neighbors—whose lives are profoundly impacted. Many caregivers are juggling medications, financial and legal responsibilities, and the emotional toll of watching someone they love fade away. Others are older adults living alone, masking their symptoms out of fear, shame or isolation. The ripple effects touch every part of the Falmouth community.

What Can We Do?

While there is no cure yet, there is growing evidence that lifestyle changes can reduce the risk of cognitive decline. Some of the most-important steps include:

• Move your body. Regular physical activity improves blood flow to the brain and reduces inflammation. Aim for 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week.

• Eat for your brain. The MIND diet—a hybrid of the Mediterranean and DASH diets—emphasizes leafy greens, berries, whole grains, nuts, beans and healthy fats like olive oil. Studies show it may slow cognitive aging. (See www.alz.org for evidence-based dietary recommendations.)

• Stay socially connected. Isolation and loneliness are major risk factors for dementia. Join a group, volunteer, take a class at the Falmouth Senior Center or simply call a friend.

• Challenge your brain. Lifelong learning, reading, puzzles, music and games help build cognitive resilience.

• Manage chronic conditions. High blood pressure, diabetes and obesity increase dementia risk. Treating these not only protects your heart but also your brain.

Early Detection and Treatment

Although not curative, several medications can temporarily ease symptoms of Alzheimer’s and, in some cases, slow disease progression. However, these are most effective in the early stages, making early diagnosis critical. The sooner you are diagnosed, the more treatment options you have—and the more time you and your loved ones have to plan for the future. If you have any symptoms of Alzheimer’s it’s important to visit your health care provider to be tested and, if appropriate, start treatment.

Local Support Is Available

If you’re worried about your own memory or caring for someone with dementia, you are not alone. These local and national resources can help:

• Alzheimer’s Association—24/7 Helpline: 800-272-3900 or www.alz.org

• Alzheimer’s Family Support Center of Cape Cod—Offers in-person and virtual support groups, including at the Falmouth Senior Center or www.alzheimerscapecod.org

• Cape Cod Healthcare—Dementia and caregiver support services at www.capecodhealth.org/dementia-support

• Elder Services of Cape Cod and the Islands—Family Caregiver Support Program at escci.org/supportive-services-care-management

• For more details about Alzheimer’s and dementia, visit the Alzheimer’s information page on the Neighborhood Falmouth website (www.neighborhoodfalmouth.org/dementia)

A Word on Politics and Research

Sadly, despite the growing burden of Alzheimer’s, federal support for research is under threat. The Trump administration has slashed funding for health research, including critical investments in Alzheimer’s. Dozens of researchers at the National Institute of Health’s Alzheimer’s division have been dismissed, and the incoming director position remains unfilled.

These cuts jeopardize decades of scientific progress. The Alzheimer’s Association has voiced serious concerns, warning that funding setbacks could delay or derail promising treatments. In a blistering May 15 news release, the association denounced recent false claims by HHS Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr., who stated, “We should have the cure for Alzheimer’s today. We don’t have it purely because of corruption at NIH.”

The association’s response was unequivocal: “Secretary Kennedy owes an apology to the millions of Americans who have lost a loved one to Alzheimer’s disease. Implying that their loved ones would be alive today if not for ‘corruption’ is not based in any reality, is false, and is cruel.” I couldn’t agree more. I’ve watched both my sister and one of my closest friends struggle with—and eventually die from—this devastating disease. We owe it to them, and to millions of others, to fight back with facts, compassion and unwavering commitment to progress.