Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease:  

September is Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month, a time dedicated to increasing public understanding of Alzheimer’s disease and its profound impact on individuals, families, and communities. This month provides an opportunity to educate people about the signs and symptoms of the disease, the risk factors, and the importance of early detection and diagnosis.

What is Alzheimer’s Disease? 

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurological condition that causes memory loss, cognitive deterioration, and eventually, the inability to perform basic tasks. It is the most common cause of dementia among older adults (Alzheimer’s Association, 2024). Alzheimer’s disease involves the accumulation of two harmful substances in the brain: amyloid plaques and tau tangles. These plaques and tangles interfere with the communication between brain cells, ultimately causing the cells to die (Jiang et al., 2019). These changes in the brain can begin years before symptoms appear, making early detection and intervention crucial (Jiang et al., 2019).

November is Diabetes Awareness Month, a time to spread knowledge about diabetes, its effects, and the latest research (National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases [NIDDK], 2023). Diabetes is a long-term health condition that affects how the body converts food into energy (NIDDK, 2023). When we eat, our bodies break down carbohydrates into glucose, a type of sugar that enters the bloodstream. The pancreas makes insulin, a hormone that helps glucose be used for energy (NIDDK, 2023). In people with diabetes, this process doesn’t work properly (NIDDK, 2023). There are three main types of diabetes: type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes (NIDDK, 2023).