Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month is observed annually, every June, to promote brain and cognitive health initiatives, raise awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and preventative measures, and encourage research participation to learn about early detection.
As of 2026, nearly 7.4 million Americans age 65 and older have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. By the year 2050, this statistic is projected to almost double to nearly 13 million, and by 2060, predictions are 13.8 million, barring the development of medical breakthroughs to prevent or cure the brain disease.
Though Alzheimer’s and dementia are often used interchangeably, the difference is that dementia is a general term for a decline in mental ability that interferes with daily life, while Alzheimer’s disease is a specific brain disease and the most common cause of dementia, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Nearly two-thirds of people with Alzheimer’s disease are women, at 4.4 million, and 3 million men. Older Black Americans are twice as likely to acquire the disease, or other dementias compared to older white Americans or the older Hispanic population.
Unfortunately, studies suggest underdiagnosis to be extremely common, especially among Black and Hispanic populations, where a substantial proportion of dementia cases go undetected, according to Biology Insights.
Florida has one of the highest rates of Alzheimer’s in the United States, with prevalence, mortality, and clinical care requirements at elevated levels. The Alzheimer’s Association estimates nearly 600,000 Floridians are living with Alzheimer’s. This figure represents roughly 12.5% of Florida’s population aged 65 and older.
In breaking down those statistics further, Central Florida’s Alzheimer’s patient population is slightly above the Florida state average, with several counties in the region showing rates nearing 13% for residents 65 and older. This prevalence equals about one in nine seniors who have been diagnosed with this brain altering disease.
“The ramifications of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias extend far beyond memory loss. It impacts entire families, communities, and weighs down the fabric of daily life,” said Michelle Branham, Secretary of the Florida Department of Elder Affairs.
“This is why in 2022, under the leadership of Gov. Ron DeSantis, the Department founded the Florida Alzheimer’s Center for Excellence (FACE). Over the course of four years, FACE has shown what can happen when we provide caregivers with the right support at the right time,” added Branham.
Accordingly, since the program’s launch, FACE has been both effective and efficient. The program has increased access to crucial resources and clinical trials earlier in diagnosis, reduced falls by 86%, reduced hospitalizations by 81%, and decreased caregiver stress by 43%.
At its core, FACE is about preserving independence, dignity and quality of life for Floridians living with dementia and those who care for them, while allowing patients to age in the place of their choosing for as long as they choose.
Luckily, for residents in the Central Florida region, FACE is one of many resources. The Alzheimer’s Association covers 43 counties statewide, hosting expansive support groups, education, advocacy, and research resources.
For those living in Osceola County, the Osceola Council on Aging (OCOA) hosts an Adult Day Health Care for elderly members of our community, and those living with cognitive disorders.
“Those with Alzheimer’s can benefit from social interaction and engagement in individual and group settings,” said Karen Stout, Osceola Council on Aging certified therapeutic recreation specialist, and program manager. “As the disease progresses, patients may require increasing assistance with general activities and daily personal care, and are happy to support that process.”
Luckily, recent advancements in Alzheimer’s research include improved diagnostic tools to support diagnosis. Those tests include amyloid and tau PET scans to help detect amyloid plaque and tau tangles in the brain, while allowing for earlier detection and monitoring disease progression, according to the American Brain Foundation. Often, clinical research trials will cover these tests for free if individual qualifies for the studies.
For more information on OCOA services, call 407-483-1494. To reach other Alzheimer’s Association chapters, visit www.alz.org/cnfl.
Wendy Coschignano-Ford is the president and CEO of the Osceola Council on Aging.
