Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month 2026: What Every Orange County Family Should Know This June
Every June, millions of Americans wear purple, share their stories, and work together to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. But for the 164,346 Orange County residents currently living with dementia or mild cognitive impairment, awareness month isn’t a calendar event \u2014 it’s their daily reality. And for the hundreds of thousands of OC family members and professional caregivers who support them, June is a moment to pause, connect, and find the resources that can make that daily reality more manageable.
This guide covers everything OC families need to know about Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month 2026 \u2014 from local events and resources to the latest in-home care options and the federal programs that can help pay for them.
June is Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month \u2014 a time for OC families to connect, advocate, and access resources.
What Is Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month?
Launched by the Alzheimer’s Association, Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month (ABAM) takes place every June. It’s a global campaign using the color purple \u2014 representing hope, dignity, and the fight against Alzheimer’s \u2014 to raise visibility, reduce stigma, and drive funding for research and care.
The hallmark of ABAM is the #ENDALZ campaign, which asks supporters to “Go Purple” on June 1 and throughout the month. But ABAM is more than ribbons and social media posts. It’s a coordinated effort that includes fundraising walks, caregiver support events, educational programs, and advocacy pushes in Sacramento and Washington, D.C.
In Orange County, ABAM is anchored by Alzheimer’s Orange County (AlzOC), which provides free education, support groups, care consultations, and crisis services to families throughout the region. AlzOC currently serves just 26% of OC’s affected population \u2014 meaning more than 120,000 local residents have dementia or MCI and are not yet connected to specialized support.
June 2026 Events: Mark Your Calendar
If you’re looking to get involved this June in OC, here are the key events and activities:
Go Purple on June 1 \u2014 #ENDALZ
When: All day, June 1, 2026 and throughout June
How: Wear purple, light your home or business purple, post on social media with #ENDALZ
Share who you’re fighting for \u2014 whether that’s a parent, a spouse, or a client. Your story matters and moves the needle on public awareness.
The Longest Day \u2014 Alzheimer’s Association
When: June 21, 2026 (Summer Solstice)
What: Participants choose a meaningful activity \u2014 hiking, golfing, cooking, painting, or any passion \u2014 and do it for the longest day of the year to honor those living with Alzheimer’s
Register: alz.org/longestday
Walk to End Alzheimer’s \u2014 South Orange County
When: Saturday, September 19, 2026 \u2014 Festival opens 9:00 AM, Walk begins 10:30 AM
Where: Sendero Field Park, 29201 Ortega Hwy., Mission Viejo, CA 92675
Contact: Sindy Thomas, (949) 426-8544 / ocwalks@alz.org
Free to register. Promise Garden flowers in blue, purple, yellow, or orange are given to each participant based on their connection to Alzheimer’s. Strollers and leashed dogs welcome.
Orange County and Alzheimer’s: By the Numbers
Orange County is one of the most affected counties in California when it comes to Alzheimer’s and dementia. Here’s the reality behind the statistics:
- 164,346 \u2014 OC residents currently living with dementia or mild cognitive impairment (MCI), per AlzOC’s latest estimates
- 3rd leading cause of death \u2014 Alzheimer’s ranks as the 3rd leading cause of death in Orange County, more than twice the national ranking
- 1 in 6 OC residents will develop dementia by age 65; 1 in 2 by age 85
- Orange County’s 65+ population is projected to reach 27% of total residents by 2060
- AlzOC served over 27,101 people in OC in 2024 \u2014 but this is only 26% of those who need support
These numbers make clear that Alzheimer’s isn’t an abstract national crisis \u2014 it’s a deeply local one. If you live in Irvine, Anaheim, Huntington Beach, or any OC city, the odds are high that someone in your neighborhood, your faith community, or your family is affected.
Mental engagement \u2014 through puzzles, games, and social activities \u2014 is among the most evidence-supported tools for brain health in seniors.
Recognizing Alzheimer’s: The 10 Warning Signs
One of the most critical things OC families can do this June is learn to recognize Alzheimer’s early. Many families dismiss early symptoms as normal aging \u2014 but there’s an important difference. Below is the Alzheimer’s Association’s framework for understanding the three stages of Alzheimer’s disease and the signs to watch for at each stage:
| Stage | Key Signs | What Families Notice |
|---|---|---|
| Early / Mild | Memory lapses, word-finding difficulty, misplacing items, poor judgment | Person may be aware of changes; can still live independently but needs some reminders |
| Middle / Moderate | Confusion with dates/places, increased memory loss, wandering, personality changes | Person needs more supervision; may not recognize family members; daily tasks become difficult |
| Late / Severe | Loss of ability to communicate, full-time care needed, swallowing difficulties, increased infections | Person requires round-the-clock care and cannot be left alone safely; hospice is often appropriate |
Not all memory changes are Alzheimer’s. Normal aging involves occasional forgetfulness \u2014 forgetting a name but remembering it later, or misplacing glasses. Alzheimer’s involves persistent, worsening impairment that disrupts daily life. When in doubt, speak with a physician. Early diagnosis opens doors to treatment, planning, and support programs that aren’t available once the disease has progressed.
Recognizing the difference between normal aging and early Alzheimer’s warning signs is one of the most important skills for OC caregivers.
In-Home Care for Alzheimer’s in Orange County
For most families, the goal is to keep a loved one with Alzheimer’s safe and comfortable at home for as long as possible. In-home care is often the most effective way to achieve this \u2014 providing personal care, companionship, supervision, and respite for family caregivers \u2014 all within the familiar environment that matters so much for people with dementia.
What In-Home Alzheimer’s Care Looks Like
At Home VA Staffing (AHVA) provides non-medical in-home care for Orange County families navigating Alzheimer’s and dementia. Our services include:
- Personal care assistance \u2014 bathing, grooming, dressing, and mobility support
- Companionship \u2014 structured activities, conversation, and emotional support that reduce isolation and anxiety
- Respite care \u2014 scheduled or emergency relief for family caregivers who need a break
- Dementia care support \u2014 caregivers trained to handle redirection, sundowning, wandering, and behavioral changes
- Supervision \u2014 consistent presence to ensure safety in the home environment
We serve families in Irvine, Anaheim, Huntington Beach, Fullerton, Santa Ana, Newport Beach, Costa Mesa, Mission Viejo, and across Orange County.
What’s New in 2026: The GUIDE Model and Medicare Dementia Benefits
A significant development for OC families in 2026 is the expansion of the CMS GUIDE Model \u2014 a new Medicare program specifically designed for people living with dementia. The GUIDE Model (Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience) provides:
- Up to $2,500 in annual respite benefits \u2014 covering home-based respite care for Alzheimer’s families
- 24/7 support line access for caregivers
- Care navigation and coordination from a trained dementia care team
- Educational support for family caregivers
AHVA is currently in the credentialing process with PocketRN to participate in the GUIDE Model, which would allow our clients to access these benefits through their Medicare coverage. We expect this to open a critical revenue pathway for families who previously had to pay out-of-pocket for respite care.
For a deep dive on how the GUIDE Model works and what OC families qualify for, read our full guide: The GUIDE Model: New Medicare Dementia Care Benefits Arriving in Orange County.
The purple ribbon symbolizes hope for the 164,346 Orange County residents living with Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Resources Every OC Family Needs
Beyond AHVA, Orange County has a strong network of Alzheimer’s resources. Here are the most important ones to know during ABAM:
- Alzheimer’s Orange County (AlzOC) \u2014 alzoc.org \u2014 Free education, support groups, care consultations, and crisis intervention across OC
- Alzheimer’s Association \u2014 24/7 Helpline \u2014 1-800-272-3900 \u2014 Round-the-clock support in over 200 languages
- OC Department on Aging (OCDA) \u2014 Care management, meals, transportation, and caregiver support programs
- HICAP (Health Insurance Counseling & Advocacy Program) \u2014 Free Medicare counseling for OC seniors \u2014 1-800-824-0780
- IHSS (In-Home Supportive Services) \u2014 California’s Medi-Cal program that pays qualified family members to provide care \u2014 Learn how IHSS budget cuts in 2026 affect OC families
- CalOptima \u2014 OC’s Medi-Cal managed care plan \u2014 often covers Alzheimer’s-related in-home support services
OC Caregiver’s Alzheimer’s Awareness Month Checklist
Use this checklist this June to make sure you and your family are prepared and connected:
- Learn the 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s from the Alzheimer’s Association and share with family
- Contact Alzheimer’s Orange County (alzoc.org) for a free care consultation or support group referral
- Register for The Longest Day (June 21) or the Walk to End Alzheimer’s South OC (Sept. 19, Mission Viejo)
- Go Purple on June 1 \u2014 wear purple, post on social with #ENDALZ, and share who you’re fighting for
- Check if your loved one qualifies for Medicare’s GUIDE Model dementia care benefits ($2,500 annual respite)
- Review IHSS eligibility \u2014 if your loved one has Medi-Cal, they may qualify for paid in-home support
- Secure advance directives and healthcare power of attorney while your loved one can still participate in decisions
- Complete a home safety assessment \u2014 remove trip hazards, install door alarms, label cabinets and drawers
- Schedule respite care for yourself \u2014 family caregivers who burn out cannot provide the care their loved one needs
- Join a local OC caregiver support group \u2014 Alzheimer’s OC, faith communities, and OCDA all offer these for free
Quiz: Test Your Alzheimer’s Awareness
How much do you know about Alzheimer’s and dementia? Take this quick quiz \u2014 the answers may surprise you:
1. True or False: Alzheimer’s disease is a normal part of aging.
2. Which of the following is an early warning sign of Alzheimer’s?
3. How many Orange County residents are currently living with dementia or mild cognitive impairment?
4. What color represents Alzheimer’s awareness?
5. Which new Medicare program provides up to $2,500 in annual respite benefits for Alzheimer’s caregivers?
Frequently Asked Questions: Alzheimer’s in Orange County
OC Communities We Serve
Your Family Doesn’t Have to Navigate This Alone
AHVA provides compassionate, professional in-home care for Orange County families living with Alzheimer’s and dementia. Whether you need a few hours of respite each week or full-time support, we’re here to help \u2014 and we can answer your questions about GUIDE Model, IHSS, and CalOptima coverage.
Call (213) 326-7452 \u2014 Talk to Our Team
