Montgomery County's First Dementia Awareness Week

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, TX — Montgomery County has officially launched its inaugural Alzheimer’s and Dementia Awareness Week, a countywide initiative running from Monday, June 10, through Sunday, June 16, aimed at shifting the narrative around neurodegenerative diseases and providing a lifeline to local families.

The initiative follows a formal proclamation issued by the Montgomery County Commissioners' Court on Monday. The movement was spearheaded by a coalition including Precinct 2 Commissioner Charlie Riley, Precinct 3 Commissioner James Noack, and Precinct 4 Commissioner Robert Walker, in coordination with the City of Conroe and the Alzheimer’s Association Houston & Southeast Texas Chapter.

The week serves as a local response to a growing national health crisis. According to data from the Alzheimer’s Association, more than 6.9 million Americans are currently living with Alzheimer’s, a figure projected to rise significantly as the population ages. Statistics indicate that one in three seniors dies with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, making it a leading cause of death in the United States and a major source of financial and emotional strain for caregivers.

"The goal of this week is twofold: to provide actionable education for early detection and to dismantle the stigma that often causes families to suffer in silence," said a spokesperson for the partnering organizers.

To engage the community, the county has organized a series of events across multiple precincts:

Throughout the week, Precinct 2 Commissioner Charlie Riley’s office at 19788 Highway 105 West in Magnolia is hosting a "Memory Tree." Residents are invited to stop by to write the names of loved ones impacted by these conditions on ribbons, creating a visual tribute to those affected by the disease.

Educational outreach continues Tuesday, June 11, at Precinct 3 Commissioner James Noack’s office (1520 Lake Front Circle, Spring), which will host a "Lunch & Learn" from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The session will cover the "10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s," a standardized program designed to help residents distinguish between typical age-related memory lapses and potential symptoms of dementia.

The "Lunch & Learn" program will repeat on Wednesday, June 12, at Precinct 4 Commissioner Robert Walker’s office (23628 FM 1314, New Caney) from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

The focus shifts toward future fundraising on Thursday, June 13, when Woodlands Church (One Fellowship Drive, The Woodlands) hosts the "Walk to End Alzheimer’s" launch party from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The event will serve as an informational session for the annual main walk, which is scheduled for Saturday, October 12, at Northshore Park.

On Friday, June 14, Commissioner Riley’s office in Magnolia will host a "Paint & Sip" event from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Organizers noted that while the event is free, registration is required due to space constraints. Interested parties can contact the Commissioner’s office to secure a spot.

The awareness week concludes on Sunday, June 16, with a closing ceremony at Woodlands Church.

For those unable to attend the events, the Alzheimer’s Association Houston & Southeast Texas Chapter offers a 24/7 Helpline at 800-272-3900, which provides around-the-clock support, information, and local referral services. Further details regarding the week’s events and resources for caregivers can be found at alz.org/texas.

As the county observes this inaugural week, local leaders emphasize that the objective is to ensure no resident faces an Alzheimer’s diagnosis without access to the necessary support networks and clinical guidance.