Alzheimer's Awareness

More than 6 million Americans live with Alzheimer’s, but fewer than half have received an official diagnosis. Close family members know their loved ones best and are typically the first to notice memory issues or cognitive problems but they’re often hesitant to initiate a conversation—even when they know something is wrong.

Talking about the changes you are noticing in your loved one is hard, but an early diagnosis can have significant benefits, including eliminating uncertainty and providing more time for support. Encourage families to start a conversation with their person alongside their doctor - the first step towards a possible ALZ diagnosis, and creating a plan of action.

Using real stories, the goal of “Hopeful Together,” created in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association, is to spread awareness of the benefits of getting an early diagnosis and encourages open communication between loved ones about cognitive health. An early diagnosis can give you and your family more time to plan together, allows participation in care decisions, you and your family will be able to review and update legal documents, discuss finances and property, and identify your care preferences. The website Alz.org/TimeToTalk and Alz.org/Tiempo for Spanish speakers offers families helpful tools and resources, including information on the disease and the benefits of an early diagnosis.