June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Cancer Awareness Month and CHRISTUS Health is highlighting the disease that affects about 7.2 million Americans ages 65 and older to provide education about signs and symptoms.

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that destroys memory and cognitive function. While age is the greatest known risk factor for Alzheimer’s, the disease is not a normal part of aging.
Early symptoms of Alzheimer’s include memory loss, confusion, decreased or poor judgment, changes in mood or personality and problems with words in speaking or writing.

Dr. Peimin Zhu, neurologist with CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic in Shreveport, encourages people to recognize the early signs of Alzheimer’s disease.

“Understanding is the first move toward making a difference,” Zhu said. “Many families fail to notice early symptoms of Alzheimer’s—like memory lapses, disorientation or behavioral shifts—until the condition has advanced. Learning more can help people get effective therapy earlier and enhance their quality of life with more support.”

Other key risk factors include a family history of Alzheimer’s, genetics, and cardiovascular conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes. Lifestyle factors such as physical inactivity, poor diet and smoking can contribute.

While there is no cure for Alzheimer’s, Zhu said there is a newly FDA-approved immune-targeted therapy for early dementia or mild cognitive impairment, and traditional neurotransmitter modulation therapy is available to slow down the progression of the disease at an early stage. Lifestyle choices and local community support can also help maintain brain health in patients with dementia.

He recommends regular physical activity, a diet rich in antioxidants, mental stimulation, and social engagement as key components of a brain-healthy lifestyle.

“Caring for your brain is a lifelong commitment,” Zhu said. “Everyday practices—like regular exercise, healthy eating and staying socially engaged—can have a significant impact.”

People diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease typically live 3 to 11 years after diagnosis, though some may live up to 20 years depending on factors like age, overall health and the stage at which the disease is diagnosed.

The most common direct cause of death in Alzheimer’s patients is pneumonia, often due to aspiration (inhaling food or fluids into the lungs) as swallowing becomes impaired.

Other causes include urosepsis, malnutrition, dehydration and complications from immobility, such as blood clots or pressure ulcers.

As Alzheimer’s disease advances, caregivers often witness a steady decline in their loved one’s physical and cognitive abilities. Common changes include increased frailty, frequent infections, reduced mobility and gradual loss of communication skills.

In the final stages, individuals become entirely dependent on others for care. At this point, end-of-life care typically shifts focus to comfort, dignity and quality of life.