National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month
November 1 - November 30
About National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month
National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month takes place every November across the United States. Established by presidential proclamation in 1983, the month-long observance raises awareness about Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia, and highlights the urgent need for research, support for caregivers, and early diagnosis.
What is National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month?
National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month is a federally recognised health observance dedicated to increasing public understanding of Alzheimer’s disease, its impact on individuals and families, and the resources available to those affected. The observance is supported by organisations including the Alzheimer’s Association, the Administration for Community Living (ACL), and the National Institute on Aging. Throughout November, hospitals, research institutions, advocacy groups, and community organisations host educational events, fundraisers, and awareness campaigns designed to reduce stigma and encourage early detection.
When is National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month?
National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month runs from Saturday, 1 November to Monday, 30 November 2026. It is observed annually throughout the entire month of November and has been held on these dates since its inception in 1983.
Why National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month Matters
Alzheimer’s disease affects an estimated 6.9 million Americans aged 65 and older, a number projected to reach nearly 13 million by 2050 if no medical breakthroughs occur. The disease is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States and kills more people than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined. Beyond the individuals living with the diagnosis, approximately 11 million Americans serve as unpaid caregivers for someone with Alzheimer’s or another dementia, providing an estimated 18 billion hours of care valued at over $340 billion annually. The emotional, physical, and financial toll on families is immense, and this month provides a vital platform to push for greater funding, better support systems, and accelerated research into treatments and prevention.
How to Get Involved in National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month
There are many meaningful ways to participate in Alzheimer’s awareness efforts throughout November:
- Wear purple — Purple is the official colour of Alzheimer’s awareness. Wearing a purple ribbon or clothing throughout November signals your support and can start conversations about the disease with friends, colleagues, and neighbours.
- Educate yourself about warning signs — Learn the 10 early signs of Alzheimer’s disease published by the Alzheimer’s Association, including memory loss that disrupts daily life, difficulty planning or solving problems, and confusion with time or place. Early detection leads to better care planning.
- Donate to Alzheimer’s research — Organisations such as the Alzheimer’s Association, the Fisher Center for Alzheimer’s Research Foundation, and the National Institute on Aging fund critical studies. Even small contributions support the search for treatments and eventually a cure.
- Volunteer with local support groups — Many communities run Alzheimer’s caregiver support groups that welcome volunteers to assist with logistics, provide companionship, or simply listen. Contact your local Alzheimer’s Association chapter to find groups near you.
- Participate in a Walk to End Alzheimer’s — The Alzheimer’s Association organises walks in communities nationwide. These events raise both funds and awareness while bringing together families, caregivers, and advocates in a shared mission.
- Support a caregiver — If someone you know cares for a person with Alzheimer’s, offer practical help such as preparing a meal, running errands, or simply spending time so the caregiver can rest. Caregiver burnout is a serious issue, and small gestures make a real difference.
- Share information on social media — Post facts, personal stories, or resources about Alzheimer’s disease using the hashtags #AlzheimersAwareness and #ENDALZ. Raising visibility online reaches people who may not encounter awareness campaigns elsewhere.
History of National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month
In 1983, President Ronald Reagan issued the first presidential proclamation designating November as National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month. At that time, fewer than 2 million Americans had been diagnosed with the disease, and public understanding of Alzheimer’s was limited. The proclamation aimed to draw attention to a condition that was often misunderstood, frequently dismissed as normal ageing, and deeply stigmatised.
The timing proved to be deeply poignant. In 1994, President Reagan himself revealed his own Alzheimer’s diagnosis in a handwritten letter to the American people, bringing unprecedented public attention to the disease. His disclosure helped to humanise the condition and galvanised support for research funding. In the decades since, the observance has grown from a modest awareness week into a month-long national campaign supported by federal agencies, healthcare providers, and advocacy organisations across the country.
The Alzheimer’s Association, founded in 1980, has been instrumental in expanding the observance’s reach. Their efforts have helped secure billions of dollars in federal research funding, and in 2011 the National Alzheimer’s Project Act was signed into law, creating the first national strategic plan to address the disease. Today, the awareness month serves not only as a time for education but also as a rallying point for policy advocacy and scientific progress.
Noteworthy Facts About Alzheimer’s Disease
- Alzheimer’s disease was first identified in 1906 by German psychiatrist Dr Alois Alzheimer, who described unusual changes in the brain tissue of a woman who had died of an unusual mental illness.
- Two-thirds of Americans with Alzheimer’s are women, and researchers are still working to understand why the disease disproportionately affects women.
- Alzheimer’s is the only disease among the top 10 causes of death in the United States that cannot be prevented, slowed, or cured, though several treatments have been approved in recent years that target amyloid plaques in the brain.
- The total cost of caring for people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias in the US is estimated at over $360 billion annually, not including the value of unpaid caregiving.
- Every 65 seconds, someone in the United States develops Alzheimer’s disease, according to Alzheimer’s Association estimates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month?
National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month is a November observance in the United States that promotes understanding of Alzheimer’s disease, supports caregivers, and encourages research funding to find treatments and a cure.
When is National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month in 2026?
National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month runs throughout November 2026, from Sunday, 1 November to Monday, 30 November.
Who started National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month?
President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the first National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month in November 1983. The Alzheimer’s Association and the Administration for Community Living continue to lead annual awareness efforts.
Spread the Word
Help raise awareness by sharing National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month with your friends, family, and followers. Use the hashtags #AlzheimersAwareness and #ENDALZ2026 on social media. The more people who understand Alzheimer’s disease, the stronger the push for research, support, and a cure.
Related Awareness Days
- World Alzheimer’s Month — Held every September, this global campaign by Alzheimer’s Disease International raises awareness about dementia and challenges stigma worldwide.
- Dementia Action Week — A UK-based initiative by the Alzheimer’s Society encouraging communities to take action and support people living with dementia.
- National Family Caregivers Month — Also held in November, this month honours the millions of unpaid family caregivers, many of whom care for loved ones with Alzheimer’s.
Links
]]>Plan your next campaign
Use Awareness Planner to discover events, build content calendars, and stay ahead of key dates.
2026 Awareness Days Wall Planner
Every key awareness day at a glance. Perfect for offices, staff rooms, and team planning.
View Calendar →
