World Alzheimer’s Month is an international campaign by Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI) every September to raise awareness about and challenge the stigma that surrounds dementia. World Alzheimer’s Day is Sept. 21. 
Alzheimer’s Disease is the most common type of dementia, and is a progressive disease beginning with mild memory loss, possibly leading to loss of the ability to carry on a conversation, respond to the environment, and affect a person’s ability to carry out daily activities.

In the United States, 5.8 million people are living with Alzheimer’s—this is projected to increase to 14 million by 2060. More than 16 million Americans provide unpaid care for people with Alzheimer’s or other dementia, providing an estimated 18.5 billion hours of care valued at nearly $234 billion. Alzheimer’s disease is currently the fifth leading cause of death for persons over the age of 65.

To help address these issues, theAlzheimer’s Disease and Healthy Aging Program at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) hosts the Healthy Brain Initiative (HBI). HBI provides data, information, and education to promote brain health, including information on Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. HBI applies principles, strategies, and expertise to promote public health actions related to brain health, Alzheimer’s Disease, and caregiving. This work is guided by The Healthy Brain Initiative’s State and Local Public Health Partnerships to Address Dementia, The 2018-2023 Road Map.

As part of the implementation of the Roadmap, NACDD has been funded to lead a new project,  Integrating Alzheimer’s Messages into Chronic Disease Programs. The project seeksto adapt existing chronic disease risk reduction messages to include information about how behaviors related to these topics also can reduce the risk for cognitive decline. A National Institute on Aging study has found previously that combining more healthy lifestyle behaviors was associated with substantially lower risk for Alzheimer’s disease. The behaviors were physical activity, not smoking, light-to-moderate alcohol consumption, a high-quality diet, and cognitive activities. The study that included data from nearly 3,000 research participants. Those who adhered to four or all of the five specified healthy behaviors were found to have a 60% lower risk of Alzheimer’s.

NACDD has developed a series of integrated chronic disease and brain health messages. Please visit chronicdisease.org/page/HealthyAging to view and download these and other resources related to brain health and healthy aging.

Read more from the August 2020 issue of Impact Brief below.

• Two New Health Simulations Launched
  NACDD joins CDC, Kognito, and prostate cancer advocates throughout the U.S. to observe National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month all September. Each year, approximately 30,000 men will die of prostate cancer. Early screening and detection saves lives. We encourage men to talk to their doctor about prostate cancer screening and treatment options. Learn more at cdc.gov/cancer/prostate/index.htm.  NACDD and its partners, CDC and… Read more: Two New Health Simulations Launched
• September is Rheumatic Disease Awareness Month
  Rheumatic Disease Awareness Month (RDAM) was created by the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) to raise awareness about rheumatic diseases and the more than 52.5 Americans who live with them. Rheumatic diseases can affect joints, tendons, ligaments, bones, and muscles. Some rheumatic diseases can also affect the organs.  Rheumatic diseases include lupus, spondyloarthropathies, and many types… Read more: September is Rheumatic Disease Awareness Month
• NACDD Reconnects with DP18-1810 Component 2 States
  On July 23, 2020, NACDD convened its second Community of Practice webinar for Component 2 states. In collaboration with the Center for Public Health Systems Science (CPHSS) at the University of Washington in St. Louis, Component 2 states were introduced to CPHSS’s Program and Clinical Sustainability Assessment Tools. Recognizing that sustainability is a major challenge… Read more: NACDD Reconnects with DP18-1810 Component 2 States
• PSAs Promote Importance of Heart Health Management During the COVID-19 Pandemic
  During the COVID-19 pandemic, cardiovascular health remains a top public health priority – with heart disease and stroke continuing to be the No. 1 and No. 5 leading causes of death in the United States. In a recent Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), the CDC noted that in the 10 weeks following the declaration… Read more: PSAs Promote Importance of Heart Health Management During the COVID-19 Pandemic
• September is World Alzheimer’s Month
  World Alzheimer’s Month is an international campaign by Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI) every September to raise awareness about and challenge the stigma that surrounds dementia. World Alzheimer’s Day is Sept. 21. Alzheimer’s Disease is the most common type of dementia, and is a progressive disease beginning with mild memory loss, possibly leading to loss of the ability to carry… Read more: September is World Alzheimer’s Month