November is a month best known for it’s one holiday, Thanksgiving. However, November is also home to many other holidays that are celebrated throughout the whole month such as Aviation History Month, Historic Bridge Awareness Month, National Adoption Month and more. Although one stands out from the rest and that lies in Alzheimer’s Awareness Month and though it might not be as known it is a major subject that should be noticed and spoken about much more than it is. 

Alzheimer’s Awareness Month is a major topic and celebrated all throughout the month of November to those who have heard of the disease. Alzheimer’s is a very difficult subject to speak about because not many people know about the illness besides the name and that it affects the brain. However this is the exact reason why this awareness month exists and also companies such as Alzheimer’s Association, a company that is dedicated to helping people educate themselves on the illness as well as help those who are related to ones with the disease or if they have it themselves. One exciting footnote in Alzheimer’s Awareness history is that one of the most notable actors, Seth Rogan, has an educational camp so that kids and teenagers can learn more about Alzheimer’s. Alzheimer’s Awareness Month’s entire goal is to do just that, enlighten people about the disease and teach them about the severity of the disease and how they should go about discussing it. 

However with all illnesses there is still a tragic part to it and sadly Alzheimer’s is no different. Alzheimer’s is a form of dementia that affects the memory, thinking and behavior and in most cases it can be severe enough that it affects daily tasks.  An article published by John Hopkins Medicine showed that with the research they shared in the article. “​​Alzheimer disease commonly affects older people, but early-onset Alzheimer disease can affect people in their 30s or 40s.” (Hopkins). Another article released under Alzheimer’s Association also shows the devastating statistics about Alzheimer’s.

While these numbers are scary and do not seem to have greater outlook on the illness it is useful to know that research for the disease has increased significantly in recent years. The Alzheimer’s Association, who is a leading figure in researching the disease, has a special connection to its cause as its owner,  Jerome H. Stone has a history with the disease. Jerome’s wife was diagnosed with the disease back in 1970 where research on the illness was limited and seeing an opportunity Jerome Stone decided to take action to help not only his wife, but society. In an article written by Graydon Megan published under the Chicago Tribune after Jerome’s passing in 2015 they explained Jerome’s situation in greater detail. “Mr. Stone was astonished at how little was known about Alzheimer’s. He tackled the problem with a combination of problem-solving and organizational skills, connecting several independent groups of researchers, physicians, caregivers and others to form what is now the Alzheimer’s Association in 1980.” (Megan 1). Even after his passing in 2015, six year later Alzheimer’s Association is still hard at research and to help those with the disease or those who know somebody with the disease carrying James’s legacy and his contribution to society.

Alzheimer’s Awareness Month is celebrated in November and although it is overshadowed by the mega Holiday that is Thanksgiving, it should never be forgotten. Alzheimer’s Awareness Month is an incredibly important event that should receive more praise for its way that it helps society to learn more about the illness. It goes beyond just teaching people that it affects the brain but goes to the extent to make people aware that it is a very serious matter that should be taken as such. Alzheimer’s Awareness Month looks to enlighten people, especially of a younger generation, of the research that companies have gathered to help understand the problem and treat those with it with a kinder heart.