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Home » Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month: Promoting Education and Support Across Indiana

Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month: Promoting Education and Support Across Indiana

June 26, 2025Uncategorized

Each June, Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month offers individuals and communities in Indiana an opportunity to deepen their understanding of Alzheimer’s disease and related cognitive conditions. This national campaign, first recognized by presidential proclamation in 1983 and championed by the Alzheimer’s Association, encourages public dialogue about the effects of brain disorders, honors those living with the disease, and recognizes the critical role of caregivers. In Indiana, where both urban and rural areas must navigate unique healthcare access challenges, this month provides a meaningful time to reflect, learn, and take action in support of brain health. The Indianapolis attorneys at Frank & Kraft invite you to take part in Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month in Indiana.

Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease

Although many associate Alzheimer’s primarily with memory loss, its impact extends well beyond occasional forgetfulness. Alzheimer’s is a progressive neurological disorder that interferes with brain function, gradually diminishing a person’s ability to reason, communicate, and perform basic daily tasks. The disease leads to the destruction of brain cells, especially in areas responsible for memory, language, judgment, and emotional regulation.

While researchers continue to investigate its precise causes, Alzheimer’s is thought to result from a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Abnormal protein deposits, known as beta-amyloid plaques and tau tangles, are commonly found in the brains of individuals with the disease. These formations disrupt the normal functioning of brain cells and eventually lead to cell death. Other contributing factors may include cardiovascular issues, chronic inflammation, or prior viral infections.

Why Awareness Efforts Matter in Indiana

Dementia, including Alzheimer’s, is on the rise nationally and in Indiana. More than seven million of Americans currently live with Alzheimer’s, and projections suggest that number will nearly double in the next 25 years. In a state with a significant population of older adults, particularly in rural regions where medical resources may be scarce, early education and awareness can lead to better planning, improved care, and stronger community support systems. The average person is likely to know someone living with dementia or caring for a loved one who is. Increasing public understanding helps remove stigma and equips families to seek appropriate help. It also enables early detection, which can improve the quality of life through prompt care planning and access to available therapies.

How Indiana Residents Can Get Involved

Residents throughout Indiana can participate in Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month in a variety of ways. One of the most impactful is contributing time or money to organizations that support those affected by cognitive decline. Nonprofit groups and local agencies often rely on donations and volunteers to provide critical services, from respite care to caregiver training.

Educational events and community outreach programs are also available in many Indiana cities and towns. Libraries, senior centers, and health clinics may host free sessions focused on topics such as recognizing the signs of cognitive decline, exploring current treatment options, and understanding how to create a care plan. Attending these events can empower individuals to take charge of their cognitive health or assist loved ones facing the disease.

Wearing purple in June is a visible way to show support for Alzheimer’s awareness. Whether you are attending an event, going to work, or participating online, wearing purple helps draw attention to the cause. Sharing stories, facts, or encouragement through social media using hashtags like #EndAlz or #BrainAwareness can connect Hoosiers with national and global awareness efforts.

Taking the time to read more about the disease is another powerful step. Trusted sources such as the Alzheimer’s Association provide accessible information on everything from early symptoms and diagnosis to legal planning and financial management. Increased knowledge can lead to greater confidence when addressing memory concerns, whether for yourself or someone close to you.

For those aged 50 or older, scheduling a medical appointment this month can be an important act of prevention. Talking with a healthcare provider about cognitive changes, even if they seem minor, can lead to early interventions. Many providers offer simple cognitive assessments during routine wellness visits. Having a baseline record of brain function can make it easier to identify changes in the future and take proactive steps.

Through these collective efforts, Indiana residents can contribute to a future where those affected by Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia receive the care, compassion, and respect they deserve.

Join Us for Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month in Indiana

For more information, please join us for an upcoming FREE seminar and join us for Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month in Indiana. If you have elder law questions or concerns, contact the experienced Indianapolis elder law attorneys at Frank & Kraft by calling (317) 684-1100 to schedule an appointment.

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Paul A. Kraft, Estate Planning Attorney
Paul A. Kraft, Estate Planning Attorney
Paul Kraft is Co-Founder and the senior Principal of Frank & Kraft, one of the leading law firms in Indiana in the area of estate planning as well as business and tax planning.Mr. Kraft assists clients primarily in the areas of estate planning and administration, Medicaid planning, federal and state taxation, real estate and corporate law, bringing the added perspective of an accounting background to his work.Read More!
Paul A. Kraft, Estate Planning Attorney
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A carefully crafted estate plan ensures that your property passes to your intended beneficiaries after your death. Without one, the State of Indiana will distribute your estate according to its intestate succession laws, which may not reflect your personal wishes. Even with a valid Will or trust in place, the use of inaccurate legal terms can undermine your goals. One area where this often occurs involves the distinction between distributing assets per stirpes and per capita. The Indianapolis attorneys at Frank & Kraft explain the meaning of per stirpes and per capita and how they can dramatically affect who inherits your assets. The Purpose of an Estate Plan At its core, estate planning allows you to maintain control over how your wealth is divided among your heirs. It offers peace of mind by ensuring that your property is managed and transferred in accordance with your values and intentions. When you make clear designations, you reduce the likelihood of family conflict and costly probate litigation. An effective estate plan also minimizes confusion for your loved ones during what is often an emotional and stressful time. Achieving these goals depends on the accuracy and precision of your legal documents. Even a small drafting error or misunderstanding of terminology can lead to a very different outcome from what you envisioned. Understanding “Per Stirpes” and “Per Capita” A Last Will and Testament or trust agreement often uses Latin terms that can seem intimidating at first glance. Two of the most common are per stirpes and per capita. Despite their unfamiliarity, these words carry significant legal weight because they determine how assets are divided among descendants. A per stirpes distribution means that if one of your named beneficiaries dies before you, that person’s share passes down to his or her descendants. By contrast, a per capita distribution means that only the surviving beneficiaries of the same generation inherit, and the shares are divided equally among them. The distinction between these two methods lies in who inherits when a beneficiary has predeceased you. Under per stirpes, the family line of a deceased beneficiary continues to inherit through their descendants. Under per capita, only those alive in the same generational tier receive an inheritance. The first approach tends to preserve family equity across generations, while the second keeps distributions simple and focused on surviving heirs. Understanding the difference ensures that your wishes are properly carried out and that the correct family members receive your legacy. Why These Terms Matter The words per stirpes and per capita may appear to be minor details, but they can completely change the way an estate is distributed. Using one instead of the other can determine whether grandchildren inherit their parent’s portion or whether only surviving children benefit. Without clarity, confusion and conflict are likely, particularly when multiple generations are involved. Working with an experienced Indiana estate planning attorney helps ensure that your Will or trust uses the right terminology to achieve your intended results. Example of a Per Capita Distribution To illustrate the difference, imagine you pass away leaving an estate valued at $900,000 and that you have three siblings: Daniel, Maria, and Lauren. Maria died before you and left behind two sons, Ethan and Jacob. If your Will states that your estate should be distributed per capita among your siblings, only Daniel and Lauren would inherit because they are the surviving beneficiaries of that generation. Each would receive $450,000. Ethan and Jacob would receive nothing because per capita distribution applies solely to living beneficiaries within the specified generation, and their mother’s share would not pass down to them. This approach is often chosen when you wish to limit distributions to a certain generation, such as your children or siblings, rather than extending inheritances to grandchildren, nieces, or nephews. Example of a Per Stirpes Distribution Now imagine that the same estate is distributed per stirpes among your siblings. Under this method, Daniel, Maria, and Lauren would each be entitled to one-third of your estate. Because Maria passed away before you, her one-third share would be divided equally between her sons, Ethan and Jacob. Daniel and Lauren would each receive $300,000, while Ethan and Jacob would each inherit $150,000, representing their mother’s share. This method ensures that a deceased beneficiary’s descendants are not excluded from your estate. Many individuals prefer per stirpes distribution because it mirrors family lineage and allows each branch of the family to receive a proportional share. Do You Have Additional Questions about Distributing Your Estate Per Stirpes or Per Capita? For more information, please join us for an upcoming FREE seminar. If you have additional questions or concerns about distributing your estate per stirpes or per capita in your estate plan, contact the experienced Indianapolis estate planning attorneys at Frank & Kraft by calling (317) 684-1100 to schedule an appointment.
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