Alzheimer’s Awareness Month

November is National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month, a time to learn the signs, support caregivers, and remember that no one has to face dementia alone. Here in the Coachella Valley, help is closer than many people realize, including right here at Cathedral City Senior Center.

Alzheimer’s at a glance

An estimated 7.4 million Americans age 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s in 2026, and that number is expected to reach nearly 13 million by 2050. Behind every diagnosis is usually a family: nearly 13 million Americans provide unpaid care for someone with Alzheimer’s or another dementia. In 2025 alone, those caregivers gave more than 19 billion hours of care (Alzheimer’s Association).

Alzheimer’s is not a normal part of aging. It is a disease of the brain that slowly affects memory, thinking, and daily life. Early diagnosis gives people more time to plan, try treatments, and get support.

Know the 10 warning signs

Everyone forgets a name now and then. The Alzheimer’s Association lists 10 warning signs that go beyond typical aging:

1. Memory loss that disrupts daily life
2. Challenges in planning or solving problems
3. Difficulty completing familiar tasks
4. Confusion with time or place
5. Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships
6. New problems with words in speaking or writing
7. Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps
8. Decreased or poor judgment
9. Withdrawal from work or social activities
10. Changes in mood and personality

If you notice any of these in yourself or a loved one, talk with a doctor. A free cognitive screening is a good first step, and Alzheimer’s Coachella Valley offers them (see below).

Everyday habits that support brain health

There is no guaranteed way to prevent Alzheimer’s, but healthy habits support your brain at any age:

• Keep moving. Regular physical activity is good for your heart and your brain.
• Stay social. Time with friends and community keeps the mind engaged and helps prevent isolation.
• Challenge your mind. Learn a new skill, play strategy games, make music, or create art.
• Protect your heart. Manage blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol with your doctor.
• Sleep well and eat well. Good rest and balanced meals help your whole body, brain included.
• Prevent falls. Head injuries can affect brain health, so work on balance and safety at home.

This November at Cathedral City Senior Center

Support for caregivers and families

Program	What it offers	When	Cost
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (bilingual), with Inland Caregiver Resource Center	One-on-one help for feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or down, a common experience for caregivers	By appointment	Free for ages 60+, RSVP required
Social Worker (bilingual), with FIND Food Bank	Connects individuals and families with resources, services, and programs	Fridays, Nov 13, 20 & 27, 10 a.m.–1:30 p.m.	Free, RSVP preferred
Support Groups (bilingual)	Therapy, activities, and music for stress and depression	Fridays, Nov 6 & 27, 11 a.m.–12 p.m.	Free
Notary for Seniors (bilingual)	Help preparing Power of Attorney, wills, and living trusts, important planning after a dementia diagnosis	Monday, Nov 16, 9 a.m.–2 p.m.	Free for ages 65+, RSVP required
HICAP Medicare Counseling	Free, objective help understanding Medicare coverage and options	Wednesday, Nov 25, 9 a.m.–12 p.m.	Free, RSVP required

Brain-healthy activities all month

Our regular classes put the brain health habits above into practice:

• Challenge your mind: Mah Jongg (Mondays, 1–4 p.m.), Party Bridge (Tuesdays, 9 a.m.–12 p.m.), Bunco (Tuesdays, 1–4 p.m.), Piano (Wednesdays, 2–3:30 p.m.), and Beginner English and Spanish classes.
• Music and creativity: Singing Just For Fun (Wednesdays, 12:30–1:45 p.m.), Voices Alive readers theatre (Thursdays, 9–10 a.m.), Painting, Basket Weaving, and knitting groups.
• Move for balance and mood: Tai Chi, Qigong, Chair Yoga, Senior Fitness, and Laughter Yoga (Wednesday, Nov 25). On Nov 25, Coffee and Conversation (10–11:30 a.m.) also covers simple balance exercises and fall prevention.
• Stay connected: Coffee and Conversation, Let’s Do Lunch with Jewish Family Services, and our weekday Congregate Lunch.

To RSVP, sign up at the front desk or call (760) 321-1548. The Center is closed Nov 11 for Veterans Day and Nov 26–27 for Thanksgiving.

Local Alzheimer’s resources in the Coachella Valley

Organization	How they help	Contact
Alzheimer’s Coachella Valley	Club Journey, caregiver support groups, education series, free cognitive screenings, respite care scholarships	(760) 776-3100 75105 Merle Dr., Suite 800, Palm Desert
Alzheimer’s Association, Coachella Valley office	Care consultations, education, support groups; call ahead to schedule a visit	(760) 996-0006 74020 Alessandro Dr., Suite A, Palm Desert
Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline	Free help any time, day or night	(800) 272-3900
Inland Caregiver Resource Center	Free support for family caregivers in Riverside County, including counseling	(800) 675-6694
Riverside County Office on Aging	Programs and services for older adults; East County office in Indio	(877) 932-4100 44-199 Monroe St., Suite B, Indio
Cathedral City Senior Center	Social worker, caregiver counseling, support groups, brain-healthy activities	(760) 321-1548 37171 W Buddy Rogers Ave., Cathedral City

You are not alone

This month, take one small step: learn the warning signs, check in on a caregiver you know, or join a class with a friend. If you or someone you love needs support, stop by the front desk or call us at (760) 321-1548. We’ll help you connect with the right resource.

---

Sources: Alzheimer’s Association Facts and Figures; Alzheimer’s Association 10 Warning Signs; Alzheimer’s Association California Southland; Family Caregiver Alliance; Riverside County Office on Aging; Cathedral City Senior Center Activity Guide, November 2026.