November 11, 2025
Media Contact: Dr. Zelalem Attlee, Zelalem.Attlee@vdh.virginia.gov.
The Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District Health Department Encourages You to Boost Your Brain Health
November is Alzheimer Awareness Month
Warrenton, Va. – The Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District Health Department is marking Alzheimer’s Awareness Month with a powerful message about protecting your brain. Alzheimer’s Disease is a degenerative brain disease. It is the most common cause of dementia. While there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, there are steps you can take to lower your risk.
In Virginia, 164,000 people over the age of 65 are living with Alzheimer’s Disease today. More than 346,000 unpaid caregivers, most are family members, provide 670 million hours of care totaling more than $12.5 billion.
Age is the biggest risk factor for Alzheimer’s Disease, but no form of dementia is a normal part of aging. Other risk factors include family history, race/ethnicity, poor heart health, and traumatic brain injury. Keeping both your brain and body healthy is an important way to lower your risk of Alzheimer’s.
“Alzheimer’s impacts not only individuals, but families and entire communities,” said Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District Director J. Carr, M.D. “This month, we reaffirm our commitment to raising awareness, supporting caregivers, and promoting early detection for better outcomes.”
The Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District Health Department recommends these healthy brain habits.
- Give up tobacco products. If you need help, call Quit Now Virginia at 1-800-QUITNOW (1-800-784-8669).
- Be Social. Stay connected with family, friends, and members of your community.
- Schedule Regular Checkups. See your doctor for routine screenings and vaccinations.
- Get Good Sleep. Try to get at least seven to eight hours of sleep every day.
- Eat a Healthy Diet. Go with a heart-healthy diet with lots of fruits, leafy vegetables, fish, and low-fat protein.
- Get Moving. Take a walk, bike ride or work in the garden. Aim for two and a half hours of moderate activity a week.
- Limit alcohol. Limit alcoholic drinks to no more than two a day.
Controlling high blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol are also important. Each is associated with a higher risk of dementia.
You can find more resources on the VDH Brain Health page, or contact The Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District Health Department at www.rrhd.org.
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