For Immediate Release

Friday, June 23, 2017

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Andover Health Division Recognizes Alzheimer’s and Brain Health Month

ANDOVER — The Andover Health Division is raising awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and brain health in honor of Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month.

Recognized annually during the month of June, Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month is meant to raise awareness of Alzheimer’s disease and those who have been affected by it.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, 47 million people worldwide are living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Alzheimer’s is the most common type of dementia and causes problems with memory, thinking and behavior.

Symptoms of Alzheimer’s usually develop slowly and get worse over time, becoming severe enough to interfere with daily tasks. The most common early symptom is difficulty remembering newly learned information, and as the disease advances through the brain it leads to increasingly severe symptoms including disorientation, mood and behavior changes; deepening confusion about events, time and place; unfounded suspicions about family, friends and professional caregivers; more serious memory loss and behavior changes; and difficulty speaking, swallowing and walking.

“Alzheimer’s is a terrible disease that impacts millions of people and their families each year,” said Andover Director of Public Health Thomas Carbone. “We are inviting the community to join us in raising awareness for Alzheimer’s disease and brain health this month. Whether you make a donation to research efforts or share your story on social media, every little bit helps.”

Alzheimer’s has no current cure, but there are treatments available that can temporarily slow the worsening of dementia symptoms and improve the quality of life for those suffering from the disease.

To get involved and show support for finding a cure for Alzheimer’s disease, join the Alzheimer’s Association and “go purple” to raise awareness this June. Visit the Alzheimer’s Association website for more information.

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