June is Brain Awareness Month: 120,000 Wisconsin residents are living with Alzheimer’s Disease

What you need to know as many community organizations support Brain and Alzheimer’s Awareness month by offering free memory tests and education

June is Brain Awareness Month, and the Alzheimer’s Association estimates more than 120-thousand people are living with the disease in Wisconsin. 

Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRC) in counties across the state are planning to create more awareness about brain health by offering free memory testing and other educational events focused on living with Alzheimer’s and dementia.

Dementia is an umbrella term encompassing all diseases and changes in cognition that result in loss of memory severe enough to interfere with daily life. 

“Dementia is present long before we actually see the outward signs of it – before we see someone lose their car keys or not be able to find their car.”

Dementia Advocate Casey Kapalczynski

Casey Kapalczynski, a dementia advocate from Green Bay, says there are great training and information sessions available in Wisconsin. One example is called Purple Angel Trainings.

“It starts with the basics. What is dementia? What do you need to understand about the disease? What sort of things should you recognize that someone with dementia can not do; that someone without dementia can? And how do you best adjust your behavior to interact with them in a way that is positive for each individual,” Kapalczynski says.

There are two “Dementia Friendly Neighborhoods” in Green Bay. One is in the downtown area and another in the Navarino District. It’s also where Purple Angel Trainings are happening. Laura Nolan of the Brown County Dementia Friendly Coalition says more than 24 businesses and organizations in those areas have held a Purple Angel Training or are scheduling sessions. She says those trainings are often neighborhood specific, but dementia education and training can be found in communities throughout Wisconsin. Read more about these types of neighborhoods and communities here.

“We offer the same training to anyone in Brown County who wants it, and in every one of our counties we have similar programs,” said Nolan. “So if you’re in Oshkosh there is Purple Angel Training and Dementia Friends there, too.”

Kathy Evers, wife of Governor Tony Evers, considers the effort to raise awareness of Alzheimer’s and dementia a priority. She worked with the ADRC of Dane County to help the Executive Residence receive the official designation as a dementia-friendly space for all who visit. It is helping increase visibility for the creation of more dementia-friendly spaces.

Dementia affects more than 120,000 Wisconsin residents

An estimated 120,000 people were living with Alzheimer’s Disease in Wisconsin according to the most recent survey. The Alzheimer’s Association expects that population to grow to 130,000 by 2025. It’s also reported that 10.9% of people over 45 are in some sort of cognitive decline in Wisconsin.

Nolan says there are many signs and symptoms for people to be aware of when it comes to dementia.

“Handling money can be really challenging,” Nolan says. “So if somebody is having difficulty counting out money, that could be a sign.”

Help is available

Memory loss is not a natural part of the aging process according to Kapalczynski. And it’s important to be aware of the signs and symptoms for early detection. The sooner it is recognized and treatment can begin, the better the quality of life will be for the person.

“Dementia is present long before we actually see the outward signs of it – before we see someone lose their car keys or not be able to find their car,” Kapalczynski says. “The more informed we all are the sooner we can start treating it with medications that we have, interventions, diet changes, whatever it might be that your physician recommends.”

There is help for those who are dealing with dementia or are working as a caregiver for those with dementia. Nolan calls the county ADRCs a great resource. The Alzheimer’s Association also has a 24/7 helpline that is available to anyone with questions about dealing with dementia.

Nolan and Kapalczysnki recommend checking in with your doctor, especially if you are starting to notice anything impacting your memory.