This June, during Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month, the Alzheimer’s Association – Eastern North Carolina and Western Carolina Chapters are encouraging North Carolinians to take charge of their brain health and learn how healthy habits and early detection can make a meaningful difference.
In North Carolina, more than 210,500 people are living with Alzheimer’s disease, and 328,000 family members and friends provide unpaid care. As the population ages, those numbers are expected to grow, underscoring the importance of brain health education and early detection in local communities.
Despite growing awareness, a significant gap remains between understanding that brain health matters and knowing how to protect it. According to the 2026 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report, nearly 9 in 10 Americans say brain health is important, yet only 1 in 10 say they know what to do to maintain it.
“Here in North Carolina, we see firsthand how empowering people with the right information can change lives,” said Christine John-Fuller, Executive Director of the Alzheimer’s Association North Carolina Chapters. “Practical, everyday steps — like staying physically active, eating a healthy diet and challenging your mind — can help support brain health at any age.”
Growing evidence shows that adopting healthy habits may help reduce the risk of cognitive decline and dementia. One major global analysis estimates that nearly half of all dementia cases worldwide could be attributed to modifiable risk factors.
The Alzheimer’s Association leads and funds groundbreaking research on the impact of healthy habits, including the landmark U.S. POINTER lifestyle intervention study, which found that combining multiple healthy habits — physical activity, a healthy diet, social and cognitive and social engagement, and regular health monitoring — can help protect and improve cognitive function, including memory and thinking.
“Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month is about empowering people in our community to take action — learning the habits that support brain health, recognizing the importance of early detection, and knowing they’re not alone,” said Deborah McMillan-Key, Sr. Director of Programs, North Carolina Chapters. “Together, we can make a meaningful difference for families across North Carolina.”
Check out these opportunities to take charge of your brain health and support the cause:
- Take the (re)think your brain™ 6‑Step Challenge, a step-by-step guide to help you take charge of your brain health. Sign up today at rethinkyourbrain.org.
- Join us to learn about brain health, dementia and caregiving. We’re offering free live learning webinars, as well as multiple a local programs:
- June 2: Building Brain Healthy Habits, Virtual | 6:30pm
- June 10: Understanding Alzheimer’s & Dementia, Centerwell Senior Primary Care | 10am
- June 10: 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s, Greenway Presbyterian Church | 12pm
- June 15: 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s, Goldston Public Library | 10:30am
- June 17: Understanding Alzheimer’s & Dementia, Centerwell Senior Primary Care | 10am
- Urge your member of Congress to support the bipartisan ASAP Act. This is our “mammogram moment.” Be a part of making early detection standard with routine care. Visit alzimpact.org/ASAP_Act.
- Volunteer with the Alzheimer’s Association. As an Alzheimer’s Association volunteer, you can help those in your community take steps to reduce their dementia risk and recognize the signs of Alzheimer’s. Our education and support programs are flexible and easy to learn, giving you the opportunity to become a leader in the effort to end Alzheimer’s.
- Do something that you love to raise funds and awareness this month! Do What You Love to End ALZ makes it easy to make a difference. It’s simple, flexible and starts with you — doing something you love and turning it into a fundraiser for the Alzheimer’s Association to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia. There’s no limit to what you can do! Learn more about this unique event or join our Facebook group to see some of the creative fundraisers happening across North Carolina!
Alzheimer's Association North Carolina Blog 