We begin our Alzheimer’s Awareness Month weekly reports with a neurologist’s info worth knowing

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — June is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, and each week, we’re sharing local stories and resources to honor those living with memory loss — and the people who care for them.

We’re kicking off our coverage with neurologist Dr. Ferenz, who explains that Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia.

“It’s a progressive brain disease that affects memory, language, and day-to-day function,” he says.

The disease progresses in stages — from no symptoms at all, to needing help with basic tasks, to eventually losing the ability to speak or walk.

A common misconception? That Alzheimer’s and dementia are the same.

“Dementia describes how much memory loss affects a person’s function. Alzheimer’s refers to what’s happening in the brain,” Dr. Ferenz says.

We will bring you weekly segments through the month of June.