Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month: Find Local Support in Fort Worth

June is Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about Alzheimer's and taking charge of your brain health. Texas ranks third in the nation in the number of Alzheimer's cases and second in the number of Alzheimer's deaths. In 2020, approximately 460,000 Texans aged 65 and older were living with Alzheimer’s.

While Alzheimer's affects people of all backgrounds, there are some important demographic trends to note: 

• Age: The risk of developing Alzheimer's increases significantly with age, making it most common in people 65 and older.   

• Gender: Women are disproportionately affected by Alzheimer's, accounting for nearly two-thirds of Americans with Alzheimer's. This is partly due to women having a higher average lifespan as compared to men. 

• Race and Ethnicity: Black/African American individuals have the highest prevalence, followed by Hispanic/Latinos, non-Hispanic Whites, American Indian and Alaska Natives, and Asian and Pacific Islanders. These disparities are complex and influenced by a combination of socioeconomic, environmental, and health factors. 

  
  

  

What is Alzheimer's Disease? 

Alzheimer's is a progressive brain disease that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills and, eventually, the ability to carry out the simplest tasks. It is the most common cause of dementia, a general term for memory loss and other cognitive abilities serious enough to interfere with daily life. 

Early Symptoms to Watch For 

Recognizing the early signs of Alzheimer's can be crucial for timely diagnosis and intervention. Some common early signs include: 

• Forgetting recently learned information or important dates 

• Repeatedly asking the same questions 

• Difficulty following a familiar recipe, managing finances, or concentrating on tasks 

• Confusion with time or place 

• Misplacing objects and fail to remember where they put them 

• Becoming confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful, or anxious 

  
  

If you observe any of these changes in a loved one, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional. 

Can Alzheimer's Be Prevented? 

While there is currently no definitive way to prevent Alzheimer's, research suggests that a healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce the risk and potentially slow its progression. Key areas to focus on include: 

• Regular physical activities 

• Healthy diet 

• Active minds 

• Social activities 

• Quality sleep 

• Avoiding head injuries 

  
  

  

  
  

Fort Worth Resources for Families and Caregivers 

Navigating an Alzheimer's diagnosis can be overwhelming for families and caregivers. Fortunately, there are abundant local resources here in Fort Worth designed to provide support, education, and practical assistance.

Free Trainings and Educational Opportunities 

Families with loved ones recently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s can feel overwhelmed about where to begin. Discover how to better understand and care for them using the following free resources, either in person or online. 

• Alzheimer's Association: The Alzheimer's Association offers a variety of free online educational programs for patients in different stages, covering topics such as understanding Alzheimer's and dementia, communication strategies, and caregiving techniques.  

• James L. West Center for Dementia Care: The local organization provides a comprehensive video library for family caregivers, including managing difficult behaviors, navigating family dynamics, and stress management for caregivers. 

• United Way of Tarrant County: United Way features REACH, a program that stands for “Resources for Enhancing Alzheimer's Caregiver Health.” REACH offers free personalized 1-hour sessions tailored to meet individual caregiving needs, providing guidance on care planning, illness understanding, targeted problem-solving and stress management.  

Free Support Groups 

You don’t have to face Alzheimer’s alone! Join a local support group and connect with other people with experience taking care of Alzheimer’s patients in a safe and supportive environment.  

• Alzheimer's Association: The Alzheimer's Association hosts an early-stage support group and a caregiver support group for patients and their families, inviting patients to discuss their symptoms and caregivers to share their experience in open conversations.  

• James L. West Center for Dementia Care: In addition to their training programs, James L. West also hosts caregiver support groups hosted by Hollie Lowe, their Director of Education and Family Support Services. Aiming to help reduce anxiety and improve coping skills, the support groups offer various sessions virtually and in person. 

• Dementia Friendly Fort Worth: The local non-profit hosts a bi-weekly support group called “5th Street Café” for people with self-reported memory loss or dementia diagnosis and their caregivers. Those sessions feature fun activities such as brain engagement and games, creating opportunities for early-stage patients to increase social interaction in a non-judgmental space. 

Financial Management Assistance 

Elderly people are frequently victims of financial fraud and exploitation, especially those who suffer from dementia. Consider contacting Guardianship Services if you need assistance with your finances. Some of their services include: 

• Weekly money management sessions: The sessions are hosted at local and state agencies and community centers throughout Tarrant County, providing basic financial education on organizing their bills and avoiding financial frauds.  

• E3 Program: The E3 program stands for Educate, Engage, and Enroll, assisting aging adults in need throughout the enrollment process of Medicare Savings Programs, which can save them thousands of dollars a year.  

You Are Not Alone!

Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month serves as a powerful reminder that we are united in the fight against this disease. If you are a family member or caregiver, please know that you are not alone. There are resources, support, and a community ready to help you every step of the way. We encourage you to reach out to these local organizations and take advantage of the invaluable services they offer. Together, we can raise awareness, foster understanding, and improve the lives of those affected by Alzheimer's. 

About Us:

Project 4031 is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that offers no-cost services to terminally ill children and adults to strengthen their end-of-life stories. We provide assistance by helping struggling families meet basic needs through financial support and fulfilling last dreams. Our goal is to provide a better quality of life and allow someone to end life well. Based in Fort Worth, Texas, Project 4031 has been serving the North Texas community since 2011.