June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Disease Awareness Month. You may wonder, what actually is Alzheimer’s? How does it affect the brain and body? Why do some people have the disease while others do not? How can we prevent it from happening to you? Is there anything you can do in your school or community to bring awareness to Alzheimer’s? 

According to Tiffany Haynes, recent president and CEO of North Country Home Health and Hospice Agency (NCHHHA) and Chief Nursing Officer at North Country Healthcare (NCH), Alzheimer’s is a progressive irreversible brain disorder that is most commonly known as dementia. She states, “It’s a lengthy disease that forms and progresses fast and patients lose their ability to do simple tasks.”

Alzheimer’s starts mildly with slight memory loss, daily tasks taking twice as long, struggling to say words, and then there’s an increase in frustration, fear, or denial. As it continues, it grows into the middle stage. The middle stage shows even deeper confusion, behavioral changes, personality shifts, and then they end up needing help with simple tasks. Finally there is the last stage of severe Alzheimer’s. In this stage, there is a loss of communication, physical decline, body shut down, and no awareness of their surroundings. 

“This disease takes a toll on the patient’s family, 24/7,” said Haynes, “Hospice is a good resource and keeps patients at home longer, where most people want to be. There are also many support groups for all the family members struggling. There’s a caregiver support group at NCHHHA.”

According to alz.org, over 7 million Americans over the age of 65 have Alzheimer’s and 75% of Americans say that lifestyle behaviors are important for brain health, but only 46% strongly connect these behaviors to reducing dementia risk. 

How can we support our friends who have a family member who has dementia? How do we be there for them when their grandparent is suffering from Alzheimer’s? 

“Be available to listen, often it’s really scary and sad to watch a loved one forget their family members,” commented Kim Jenlink, one of the nurses at Portsmouth High School. 

Memory homes are specialized facilities for Alzheimer patients. They have 24 hour care, structured daily routines, and an environment that won’t set off confusion. Memory homes are one of the fastest growing sectors in the housing market and have increased 84% in the last 10 years according to NIC. They have specially trained staff, daily activities, and cognitive programming. Memory homes are a great choice because they give specialized care depending on the needs of the patient and creates a safe space for people with Alzheimer’s.

“There are some really great “memory homes,” adds Jenlink.

Although scientists do not fully understand why Alzheimer’s happens, it is caused by a build up of proteins in the brain that damage and kill your brain cells. It is triggered by genetics, lifestyle, age, and other environmental factors. 

“I think a big myth is that it’s either not going to happen to me, or that it’ll be noticeable when it starts,” said Jenlink.

While there is no definite way to prevent Alzheimer’s, prioritizing brain health is a good start. Games that help the brain stay active like crosswords, Sudoku, or trivia help the brain stay active. Being mindful of screentime has also been reported as being positive factors, according to alzhemier’s.gov.

Nurse Jenlink also said that health and nutrition show a big part in the progression of the disease. Avoiding substances that have ties to the brain deterioration like alcohol and drugs can help set you up for long-term success. Finally Jenlink says, “IIt is important to stay active and healthy as you get older.”

While Alzheimer’s might seem like something you might not think about as a PHS student, being aware of the disease and how people are being affected in our communities can help make a difference.

Take charge of your brain health and join in the fight to create awareness surrounding  Alzheimer’s and all other dementia by honoring the month and wearing purple to show your support, hosted by the Alzheimer’s Association. 

Jenlink also adds that students can save the date to wear purple and participate in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Portsmouth on Oct 25, 2026.