Thirty-five years ago this month, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed November as “National Alzheimer’s Disease Month.”

Every November since 1983 has been recognized as a month to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s and acknowledge the struggle faced by more than five million Americans, and their families, currently living with the disease.

In his proclamation, President Reagan said. “The emotional, financial and social consequences of Alzheimer's disease are so devastating that it deserves special attention. Science and clinical medicine are striving to improve our understanding of what causes Alzheimer's disease and how to treat it successfully. Right now, research is the only hope...”

That is as true today as it was in 1983. In that same year 35 years ago, a small group of East Tennessee families and physicians founded Alzheimer’s Tennessee, to serve those facing Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, to promote brain health through education, and to champion global research, prevention and treatment efforts.

“Alzheimer’s Tennessee is proud to support research around the country as well as clinical trials conducted here in the Volunteer State,” says Janice Wade-Whitehead, President and CEO of Alzheimer’s Tennessee. “However, until there’s a cure, there is great need for care. We hope you will take the opportunity during ‘Alzheimer’s Awareness Month’ to offer your support to some of the 110,000 Tennesseans living with Alzheimer’s disease today.”

Alzheimer’s Tennessee provides support, education and advocacy through its offices across the State in Knoxville, Cookeville, Johnson City, Nashville and Tullahoma. The organization’s Adult Day Service Program “Howard Circle of Friends” provides therapeutic activities and safe socialization for seniors and respite for their caregivers.

To learn more about Alzheimer’s Tennessee and support the vision to “Make Alzheimer’s a Memory” go to alzTennessee.org.