Montgomery County Inaugural Dementia Awareness Week
Montgomery County's first Alzheimer's & Dementia Awareness Week (June 24-29) is a local government & Alzheimer's Association effort.
CONROE, Texas — Montgomery County is observing its inaugural Alzheimer’s and Dementia Awareness Week, a collaborative effort between local government and the Greater Houston Area Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association that aims to transform how the region approaches cognitive health.
Running from June 24 through June 29, the week-long initiative is spearheaded by Precinct 2 Commissioner Charlie Riley. The campaign seeks to provide a lifeline to families navigating the complexities of memory loss while working to dismantle the social stigma that often prevents early intervention.
The initiative comes at a critical juncture in public health. According to the Alzheimer’s Association 2024 Facts and Figures report, approximately 6.9 million Americans are currently living with Alzheimer’s disease. Even more sobering is the statistic that one in three seniors dies with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, with these conditions now outranking breast and prostate cancer combined as a leading cause of death among older adults.
The week of programming launched on Monday, June 24, at Lone Star College-Montgomery, where experts began the conversation on the neurological impacts of the disease. On Tuesday, the Central Library in Conroe served as a hub for a community resource fair, bridging the gap between caregivers and the localized support services available within Montgomery County.
Local commerce is also playing a role in the initiative. Throughout Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, local businesses have established “Purple Tables”—designated kiosks adorned with informational brochures and resource guides to ensure that help is accessible to residents during their daily routines.
Recognition of the effort reached the municipal level on Thursday, June 27, when The Woodlands Township issued a formal proclamation honoring the awareness campaign. Officials emphasized that acknowledging the disease is the first step toward effective community support.
Organizers are particularly focused on public education regarding the “10 Early Signs and Symptoms of Alzheimer’s,” which include memory loss that disrupts daily life, challenges in planning or solving problems, and confusion with time or place. Experts from the Alzheimer’s Association stress that early detection is vital, as it allows individuals to access clinical trials, manage symptoms more effectively, and plan for the future.
The week will conclude on Saturday, June 29, with a “Memory Park Walk & Talk” event. The gathering is intended to offer a reflective, supportive environment for families who have been affected by dementia to share their stories and find community.
For those unable to attend the events this week, the Alzheimer’s Association continues to provide 24/7 assistance through its helpline at 800-272-3900 or online at alz.org. Residents are encouraged to visit the official Alzheimer’s Association Greater Houston Area Chapter website to learn more about ongoing support groups and educational seminars held throughout the year.
The initiative serves as a reminder that as the population of Montgomery County continues to grow, the infrastructure to support aging residents—particularly those facing cognitive decline—remains a top priority for local leadership.