Every June, the Alzheimer’s Association leads a nationwide initiative to shine a light on one of the most pressing public health challenges facing the United States — Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month. This month is a vital time to empower all Americans, including immigrant communities, with the knowledge and tools to take charge of their brain health. 

The Urgency of Brain Health

Today, more than 7 million Americans aged 65 and older live with Alzheimer’s disease — a number expected to increase significantly in the coming decades. Even more striking is that nearly two-thirds of Americans have at least one major modifiable risk factor for dementia. Yet research shows that Alzheimer’s-related brain changes can begin as much as 20 years before symptoms appear, creating a critical window of opportunity to slow or even prevent disease progression.

While the greatest known risk factor for Alzheimer’s is aging, up to 45% of dementia cases may be attributable to modifiable risks such as poor diet, physical inactivity, unmanaged high blood pressure, smoking, and social isolation. Adopting healthier behaviors can significantly reduce the risk of cognitive decline.

“Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month offers the perfect opportunity for all Americans to take charge of their brain health,” said Matthew Baumgart, senior vice president, Health Policy, Alzheimer’s Association. “We want people to know there are steps they can take to keep their brains healthy.”

Supporting Immigrant Communities

Immigrant communities, particularly older adults and non-English speakers, face unique challenges when it comes to Alzheimer’s care and prevention. Cultural stigma, language barriers, limited access to healthcare, and lack of information often delay diagnosis and treatment.

Studies have shown that Latino and Black Americans are at higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Immigrant families may also face financial and caregiving burdens due to limited social support networks. That’s why culturally relevant education, translated resources, and community outreach are essential in closing the gap.

Organizations like the Alzheimer’s Association provide multilingual resources and work with local partners to engage immigrant communities through workshops, memory screenings, and educational campaigns. These initiatives help families recognize early warning signs, understand the importance of timely diagnosis, and connect to support services.

Steps to Take This June

During Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month, the Alzheimer’s Association recommends three key actions to protect your brain health and support others:

1. Adopt Healthy Brain Habits

The Association encourages everyone — regardless of age — to adopt the 10 Healthy Habits for brain health. These include:

• Staying mentally and socially engaged
• Eating a balanced, Mediterranean-style diet
• Getting regular physical activity
• Managing heart health and chronic conditions
• Prioritizing quality sleep

2. Know the Early Signs

While memory loss is often the most recognized symptom, Alzheimer’s can also cause:

• Confusion with time or place
• Difficulty completing familiar tasks
• Mood and personality changes
• Poor judgment and decision-making

Recognizing the 10 Early Signs and Symptoms of Alzheimer’s can help ensure that individuals seek medical advice sooner rather than later. These include: memory loss that disrupts daily life; difficulty planning or solving problems; trouble completing familiar tasks at home or work; confusion with time or place; challenges understanding visual images and spatial relationships; new problems with words in speaking or writing; misplacing items and being unable to retrace steps; decreased or poor judgment; withdrawal from work or social activities; and changes in mood or personality.

3. Speak Up About Concerns

Many people — especially in immigrant households where cultural stigma may discourage open discussion — avoid addressing memory or cognitive issues. However, early detection offers significant benefits, including access to treatments that can slow progression and time to make informed decisions about care and future planning.

A Shared Responsibility

Brain health is a lifelong journey. Whether you’re a caregiver, a community leader, a recent immigrant navigating new healthcare systems, or someone simply interested in living a longer, healthier life — this June is the time to get involved.

Visit alz.org to find local events, educational resources in multiple languages, and support services tailored for all communities.

Alzheimer’s is a disease that doesn’t discriminate, and neither should our efforts to fight it. This Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month, let’s commit to greater awareness, earlier action, and more inclusive support — for all Americans, including our immigrant neighbors.

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