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Expanding Alzheimer’s Awareness in Our Community

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Alzheimer’s Association

The Alzheimer’s Association leads the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia – by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support.
Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s and all other dementia.

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Alzheimer’s Association Vision

The Alzheimer's Association leads the way to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. And our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s and all other dementia.

We are a leader of the cause and our greatest strength comes from our relentless and multifaceted approach to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia.

Everything we do - care and support, education & awareness, advocacy, research -- is evidence-based, meaning it is rooted in the most up-to-date research in the field
We are recognized by the global scientific community for our unwavering focus on helping people living with dementia and their families every day, and our ability to fund the best science around the world.

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Dementia is a collection of symptoms related to cognitive decline
Can include cognitive, behavioral and psychological symptoms
Due to biological changes in the brain
Alzheimer’s is most common cause
Mixed dementia is very prevalent
Some causes of cognitive decline are reversible and not truly dementia

Alzheimer’s

60%-80%

Vascular

10%-40%

Lewy�Bodies

10%-25%

Frontotemporal

~10%

Mixed Dementia = > 1 Neuropathology Prevalence ~50%

Dementia

An ‘umbrella’ term used to describe a range of symptoms associated with cognitive impairment

Dementia is a Syndrome

Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia
Dementia is an umbrella term for symptoms affecting memory, thinking, and behavior that interfere with daily life.
It is a syndrome, not a specific disease — it describes what the person is experiencing, not the cause.
Symptoms can include:

Memory loss, confusion
Sleep disturbances
Hallucinations, delusions
Agitation or aggression

What Causes Dementia?
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause (60–80% of cases).
Other causes include:

Vascular dementia (blood vessel damage in the brain)
Lewy body dementia
Frontotemporal dementia
Mixed dementia (more than one cause present)
Some reversible causes (e.g., thyroid issues, vitamin deficiencies)

Why Diagnosis is Complex

Many people experience mixed dementia, making diagnosis and treatment more challenging.

Research is focused on better ways to detect biological brain changes for more accurate diagnosis and care.

We Are Here to Help

The Alzheimer’s Association provides care, support, and advances research for all types of dementia, not just Alzheimer’s.

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Notes for self:

How is Alzheimer’s Different from Other Types of Dementia?

Alzheimer’s disease is just one type of dementia — the most common — but there are several others, each with unique causes and symptoms. Here’s how they differ:

Alzheimer’s Disease

Caused by abnormal protein build-up (plaques and tangles) in the brain.
First symptoms usually involve memory loss, confusion, and trouble learning new information.
Progresses slowly over time, eventually affecting language, reasoning, and behavior.

Vascular Dementia

Caused by reduced blood flow to the brain, often due to strokes or small vessel disease.
Symptoms can appear suddenly or progress in steps.
Often affects thinking, problem-solving, and organization more than memory in the early stages.

Lewy Body Dementia

Caused by abnormal protein deposits called Lewy bodies in the brain.
Symptoms include:

Fluctuating alertness and confusion
Visual hallucinations
Movement issues similar to Parkinson’s disease

Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD)

Caused by damage to the brain’s frontal and temporal lobes.
Symptoms often appear before age 65.
More likely to cause:

Changes in personality and behavior
Difficulty with language
Poor judgment or inappropriate social behavior

Mixed Dementia

A combination of Alzheimer’s disease and other types, most commonly vascular dementia.
Makes diagnosis and treatment more complex, as multiple types of brain changes are happening at once.

Key Takeaway:

All types of dementia involve changes in the brain that affect daily life.
Alzheimer’s disease primarily affects memory first and progresses gradually.
Other dementias may have different early symptoms, like movement issues, language problems, or personality changes.

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2025 Facts & Figures

In 2025, an estimated 7.2 million Americans aged 65 and older will be living with Alzheimer’s dementia.�
Approximately 74% of those living with Alzheimer’s are age 75 or older.�
About 1 in 9 people (11%) age 65 and older in the U.S. has Alzheimer’s dementia, with rates increasing to 33.4% among those 85 and older.�
The U.S. population aged 65 and older is projected to grow from 58 million in 2022 to 82 million by 2050—sharply increasing the number of individuals at risk

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💤 Sleep Well	🏃‍♀️ Get Moving	🥦 Eat Right	🧩 Challenge Your Brain
Quality sleep clears toxins from your brain and supports memory.	Physical activity increases blood flow to the brain and supports cognitive health.	A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats fuels your brain.	Try puzzles, learn new skills, or play strategy games to keep your brain sharp.

10 Healthy Habits for Brain Health
The more you do, the better for your brain!
✅ Stay in School: Lifelong learning lowers dementia risk.
✅ Challenge Your Mind: Try new skills or hobbies.�➡ Join us for our Lego Competition – Sept 6 at YWCA White Plains
✅ Get Moving: Regular activity boosts brain and heart health.�➡ Walk with us at the Walk to End Alzheimer’s – Oct 5 at WCC
✅ Eat Right: More veggies, fruits, lean proteins; less saturated fat.�➡ Look into the Mediterranean diet for ideas.
✅ Maintain a Healthy Weight: Supports heart and brain health.
✅ Control Blood Pressure: Healthy habits and medical care help.
✅ Manage Diabetes: Prevent or control Type 2 diabetes to protect your brain.
✅ Protect Your Head: Wear seatbelts, helmets, and prevent falls.
✅ Sleep Well: Aim for quality, uninterrupted sleep.
✅ Be Smoke-Free: Quitting lowers your risk of cognitive decline.

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How We Help

Free Education Find dementia and aging-related resources such as support groups that connect individuals facing dementia at alz.org

24/7 Helpline

The Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline (800.272.3900) is available around the click, 365 days a year, free of charge, offering confidential support and information to people living with dementia, caregivers, families and the public.

Support

Caregivers support group run by volunteers, Info on Research progress on the diseases

How the Alzheimer’s Association Can Help You and Your Community

You Are Not Alone�Support available at every stage of the dementia journey.��
24/7 Helpline�📞 800.272.3900 – Free, confidential support available year-round in 200+ languages.��
alz.org�Access local programs, services, education, and resources anytime.��
Education & Support Programs��

Free in-person and virtual sessions (English & Spanish)��
Topics for individuals, caregivers, and professionals��
Available live and on-demand��

Care Consultations & Social Programs�Personalized support to help navigate care options and resources.��
ALZConnected®�Free online community for caregivers and individuals living with dementia.��
Online Tools��

ALZNavigator: Personalized action plans��
Early-stage social engagement opportunities

Please come visit our table to learn more about what the association offers.

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How can the town of Cortlandt can support

1. Share Our Resources

Help us distribute brochures and flyers at town offices, libraries, and senior centers�
Make information available during public health events�

2. Connect Us with the Community

Introduce us to schools, churches, and civic groups interested in volunteering or education sessions�
Invite us to speak at local meetings or forums�

3. Publicize Our Events

Help promote our signature events like the Westchester Walk to End Alzheimer’s and the annual Bridge Lighting�
Share via town newsletters, website, social media, and community calendars

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Upcoming events

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Let’s Work Together

Together, we can raise awareness, reduce stigma, and support families impacted by Alzheimer’s�
We welcome partnerships with the Town of Cortlandt to deepen local impact�
Let’s build a more informed, compassionate, and engaged community

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Current State

Marie Hargrove

Program Manger

mjhargrove@alz.org

Esther McCarthy

Walk Director

epmccarthy@alz.org

Rebecca Walsh Westall

Care Consultant/ Director of Professional Education rwwestall@alz.org

Thank you