June is Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month

Did you know that 55 million people worldwide are afflicted by Alzheimer's Disease, including 7 million Americans? It's projected that more than 16 million Americans will have Alzheimer's by 2060. Alzheimer's is a brain disease which eventually causes dementia, the decline in memory and cognitive abilities which interfere with daily life. While Alzheimer's is not the only cause of dementia, it is the most common one.

This month, The Milne Public Library is taking part in raising awareness about Alzheimer's Disease through displays and programming. Williamstown, thanks to the efforts of the Williamstown Council on Aging, was designated a "dementia-friendly community" in September of 2023, so it is only the beginning of creating awareness and understanding about the health and social effects of dementia.

Thanks also to a grant awarded to the Williamstown Council on Aging, we purchased over 50 new adult, teen and children's books about dementia. Please check out our in-house display, and/or the catalog, with many of these titles! Also in partnership with the COA, we will be hosting programs about dementia and Alzheimer's disease - multiple educational talks, a (fictional) film, and an ongoing, monthly caregiver's support group. Below is a list of events that will take place here throughout June - sign-up is not required for any of them, so you can just show up! Click on the event title to learn more about each one.

June 5th, 11:00 AM

Monthly meeting: Massachusetts Dementia-Friendly Caregiver Support Group

Next meeting: July 6th

June 12th, 5:30 PM

Talk: Understanding Alzheimer's and Dementia

June 14th, 3:30 PM

Talk: What is Dementia?

June 21st, 3:00 PM

Film: Mr. Holmes

June 28th, 1:00 PM

Talk:  Important Legal Considerations for Alzheimer's Caregivers

For additional caregiver support, please check out this series of videos on Willinet with Cheryl Hutto, a certified coach for care partners and an accredited grief specialist.

There is also a wealth of resources about Alzheimer's disease and about brain health on the Alzheimer's Association website. If you'd rather learn about them on paper, we have some brochures and handouts in the library. Dementia Friendly America-Massachusetts is a newer initiative that helps communities become better attuned to the needs of people experiencing dementia.

And as always, we'd be happy to help you find dependable information on this (and any other) topic.