National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month

 

​

Every November, the United States observes National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month, a designation first proclaimed by President Ronald Reagan in 1983. At the time, fewer than 2 million Americans were living with the disease. More than four decades later, that number has grown dramatically, and the month continues to serve as a dedicated period for public education, caregiver support, fundraising, and advocacy for research funding.

​

The observance runs the full month, from November 1 through November 30, and in many years overlaps with National Family Caregivers Month, which highlights the millions of unpaid caregivers who support people living with Alzheimer's and other dementias.

​

Why the Month Matters

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurological condition that gradually damages and destroys neurons in the brain, leading to worsening memory loss, cognitive decline, and eventual loss of independence. It is the most common cause of dementia, accounting for an estimated 60–80% of cases. Awareness Month exists to:

Educate the public on early warning signs, risk factors, and the difference between normal aging and dementia

Reduce stigma so families feel comfortable seeking a diagnosis and support earlier

Support caregivers, who often experience significant emotional, physical, and financial strain

Drive funding and advocacy for research into treatment, prevention, and an eventual cure

Promote brain health practices that may help reduce risk

​

Alzheimer's Disease: Current Statistics (2026)

According to the Alzheimer's Association's 2026 Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures report:

An estimated 7.4 million Americans age 65 and older are living with clinical Alzheimer's dementia — about 1 in 9 people in that age group

Prevalence rises sharply with age: 5.2% of people 65–74, 13.8% of people 75–84, and 35.8% of people 85 and older

Almost two-thirds of Americans with Alzheimer's are women (4.5 million women vs. 2.9 million men)

Older Black Americans are about twice as likely, and older Hispanic Americans about one and a half times as likely, to have Alzheimer's or another dementia as older White Americans.

Nearly 12 million family members and friends provide unpaid care for someone with dementia

Total national health care, long-term care, and hospice costs for Alzheimer's and other dementias are projected to reach $409 billion in 2026, not including the value of unpaid caregiving.

Alzheimer's was the sixth-leading cause of death in the U.S. overall and the fifth-leading cause among adults 65 and older (2024 data)

Globally, the World Health Organization estimates more than 55 million people live with Alzheimer's or another dementia, with nearly 10 million new cases diagnosed each year.

​

How the Month Is Observed

Go Teal. Teal is the official awareness color of the Alzheimer's Foundation of America. Organizations, individuals, and landmarks around the country "go teal" throughout November — wearing teal ribbons, lighting buildings, or decorating spaces to show solidarity with people living with the disease.

Community and fundraising events. Local chapters of the Alzheimer's Association and Alzheimer's Foundation of America host educational seminars, caregiver support sessions, and fundraising walks (such as the Walk to End Alzheimer's) throughout the month.

Educational webinars and workshops. Senior living communities, memory care providers, hospitals, and nonprofits frequently host public events on topics like recognizing early warning signs, planning for long-term care, and supporting a loved one through diagnosis.

Caregiver recognition. Because November is also National Family Caregivers Month, many organizations use the overlap to specifically recognize and support the unpaid caregivers who provide the bulk of day-to-day care nationwide.

​

Ideas for Programming

For organizations — including community centers, libraries, and adult learning programs — looking to mark the month, common approaches include:

A guest lecture or panel with a neurologist, geriatrician, or local Alzheimer's Association chapter representative

A "brain health" workshop covering diet, exercise, sleep, and cognitive engagement strategies linked to reduced risk

A caregiver support circle or resource fair connecting families to local respite care, legal/financial planning, and support groups

A "Go Teal" day with informational tabling and ribbon distribution

Film screenings or book discussions focused on dementia and caregiving

​

Additional Resources

National Organizations

Alzheimer's Association — alz.org — the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer's care, support, and research; includes a 24/7 Helpline

Alzheimer's Association 2026 Facts and Figures Report — the annual statistical reference on prevalence, costs, and caregiving

Alzheimer's Foundation of America (AFA) — originators of the "Go Teal" awareness campaign, with caregiver resources and free memory screenings

Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month — AFA — events and ways to get involved

Government and Research

National Institute on Aging — Alzheimer's and Related Dementias — NIH's consumer-friendly hub on symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing research

Alzheimers.gov — the federal government's central portal for Alzheimer's and dementia information, caregiver resources, and clinical trial listings

CDC — Alzheimer's Disease and Healthy Aging — public health data and brain health guidance

Caregiver Support

Family Caregiver Alliance — caregiving resources, including dementia-specific guidance

AARP Caregiving Resource Center — practical tools and benefits navigation for family caregivers

This report is intended for general educational use. For the most current statistics and event listings, consult the linked sources directly, as figures are updated annually.