In honor of Brain Health Awareness Week, led by our partner the Dana Foundation, we are spotlighting important facts about Alzheimer’s that often go overlooked. While Alzheimer’s affects millions of families, there are still many misconceptions about what it is, who it impacts, and what you can do to reduce your risk.  Understanding what’s fact (and what’s not) can make a real difference when it comes to protecting your brain health.

Here are five things you might not know about Alzheimer’s and why they matter. 

1. Alzheimer’s Is Not a Normal Part of Aging 

It’s one of the biggest myths out there, that memory loss is just something that happens as we age.  In reality, research suggests that up to 35% of dementia cases may be preventable or delayed. The good news is that there are steps we can all take to reduce our risk. Simple lifestyle choices can support long-term brain health, including:

• Eating a healthy, balanced diet (Check out recipes to support brain health.)
• Limiting alcohol consumption
• Avoiding smoking
• Keeping your mind active
• Staying physically active
• Getting enough quality sleep
• Managing common health conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and depression

Small choices today can add up to big benefits tomorrow.

2. Alzheimer’s is More Common Than Many Realize

Alzheimer’s isn’t rare. It’s one of the most significant health challenges facing older Americans. Today, 7.2 million Americans aged 65 and older—about 1 in 9—are living with the disease. That’s why UsAgainstAlzheimer’s advocates for protecting medical research funding in the fight to cure Alzheimer’s and other diseases. In February 2026, our President and COO, Russ Paulsen, joined Punchbowl News to discuss the critical need for this funding.

UsAgainstAlzheimer’s is also a proud partner of United for Cures, a collaborative network of patient advocacy organizations dedicated to protecting life-saving medical research. In February 2026, the organization helped advocate for and secure a $415 million increase in medical research funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH), demonstrating the impact of medical research advocacy. 

3. Women Are Disproportionately Affected 

Nearly two-thirds of Americans living with Alzheimer’s are women. For years, scientists attributed this disparity largely to women’s longer life expectancy. However, women have historically been underrepresented in clinical trials, leaving significant gaps in our understanding of how the disease uniquely affects them.  That’s why researchers are now exploring additional factors, such as menopause, hormonal changes, and biological differences in brain aging, that all may influence risk.

Women are also more likely to serve as caregivers—making up about two-thirds of Alzheimer’s caregivers—adding emotional, physical, and financial strain.

In March 2026, UsAgainstAlzheimer’s highlighted this reality for women caregivers in the BrainStorm podcast episode, “Promoted and Caregiving – The Reality Young Professionals Don’t Talk About.” 
 
4. Alzheimer’s Risk Isn’t Equal Across Communities 

Alzheimer’s disproportionately affects Black and Latino communities. Black Americans are about twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s, while Latino Americans are about 1.5 times as likely. Yet these communities often face delayed diagnoses and structural barriers to care, making it even harder to access timely treatment and support. Addressing these inequities is essential to advancing brain health equity.

To help close these gaps, the UsAgainstAlzheimer’s Brain Health Equity Nurse Fellowship works to reduce disparities by strengthening brain health education among nurses, who are the frontline leaders in patient care. In February 2026, UsAgainstAlzheimer’s launched the program’s fifth cohort. By investing in nurse leaders who reflect and serve disproportionately impacted communities, the fellowship aims to improve early diagnosis, expand access to care, and advance better brain health outcomes nationwide. 

5. Early Detection Can Make a Powerful Difference 

When it comes to Alzheimer’s, time is one of the most valuable resources.
Recognizing potential signs of Alzheimer’s early allows individuals and families to take action sooner. With more time, people can make informed medical decisions, plan financially, explore treatment options, and adopt lifestyle changes that may help manage or delay the progression of symptoms. To support this, UsAgainstAlzheimer’s developed BrainGuide, a simple questionnaire that helps people better understand their brain health and connect them with Alzheimer’s resources tailored to their needs, including a clinical trial connector.
 
The Bottom Line


Brain Health Awareness Week is a reminder that understanding your brain is the first step toward protecting it. If you or a loved one has questions about memory changes, tools like UsAgainstAlzheimer’s BrainGuide can help turn uncertainty into action by guiding you toward the right information and next steps. And remember, talk to your doctor!  Your brain health matters. And it’s never too early—or too late—to take it seriously.