9 Resources for Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month


Alzheimer's Awareness Month

Alzheimer’s and dementia impact the brain, cognitive activity, and memory.  As of 2026, 7.4 million Americans 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s or dementia, according to the Alzheimer’s Association’s Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report.   These numbers are set to increase to 13.8 million by 2060, according to the report.  Not only is Alzheimer’s a very prevalent disease, it’s also the 6th leading cause of death for older adults, according to the Alzheimer’s Association.   June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month.  In honor of the month, we are raising awareness by sharing 9 resources to help prevent, navigate, and treat Alzheimer’s and so much more!  1. Make Lifestyle Changes to Decrease Your Alzheimer’s ...

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San Antonio Clinical Trial Offers a New Approach to Cancer Treatment


Smile, doctor and senior patient on tablet in office for good news, research and online results of diagnosis. People, digital and healthcare report, insurance checklist and treatment plan and medical

When you hear the words “cancer treatment,” many think of chemotherapy.  The truth is there are many cancer treatments, such as surgery, hormone therapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy, and more.   In addition, clinical trials are a treatment option.   Clinical trials are studies with volunteers that enable advances that can slow, manage, and treat diseases such as cancer.   For example, a new clinical trial at UT Health San Antonio is testing a treatment that trains your immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells in the same way a vaccine works to protect you from disease.   Let’s explore the new trial.   join the clinical trial How the Clinical Trial’s Cancer Treatment Works  Cancer treatments are designed to kill cancer ...

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Arnoldo Rodriguez: Surviving Cancer to Advocate for Better Care in South Texas



Arnoldo Rodriguez prides himself in keeping a professional appearance.   Whether it be in his position as an educator, school administrator, executive, or in educational sales, the McAllen, Texas, resident always dressed to impress.   That’s why Arnoldo knew when he put on a crisp suit and the once-clinging fabric hung loosely at his arms, he knew something wasn’t quite right.   Around this time, he would also get excessively tired despite his penchant for exercise.   Everything pointed in one direction, and his swollen lymph nodes confirmed the worst ¾ he had cancer.  Months of unsuccessful lymphoma treatment led him to participate in a clinical trial and it was that decision that led him on the path to patient leadership.   “The clinical trial was my ...

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3 Important Clinical Trials for Alzheimer’s Patients, Caregivers, and Families!


Senior old elderly handicapped disabled patient woman suffering from dementia, headache, migraine complaining about symptoms on doctor`s nurse visit at home hospice.

With so many unknowns when it comes to Alzheimer’s Disease, researchers continue to investigate potential causes, risk factors, and treatments.   Clinical trials are a major tool to help researchers make progress.   These are studies with volunteers that enable advances that can slow, manage, and treat diseases such as cancer and Alzheimer’s for current and future family members.  However, these trials only benefit everyone if they have a pool of participants that look like the rest of the population.   For many reasons, including myths, lack of access to transportation, and time commitments, too few under-researched populations join clinical trials.  But closing the gap on clinical trial participation doesn’t have to be a burden.   Here are 3 clinical ...

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Dr. Rebecca Jones: Sharing Community Engagement Strategies for Cancer Control


rebecca jones institute for health promotion research ut health san antonio 1

Dr. Rebecca Jones, assistant director of the Institute for Health Promotion Research at UT Health San Antonio, shared important community engagement strategies at the 2026 AACI Catchment Area Data Excellence (CADEx) Conference on March 9, 2026, in Atlanta. The event brought together National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center data experts, geospatial statisticians, and representatives from government and industry to address emerging topics in cancer prevention and control analytics. Jones was part of a panel that explored how to use catchment-area data to improve access and outcomes. "Panelists discussed how data inform their choices, focusing on the importance of community engagement for understanding where barriers exist and how access can be improved. Listening sessions ...

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More Than Meets the Eye: How Surviving Colon Cancer Transformed Marielle Santos McLeod’s Advocacy Work



Marielle Santos McLeod thought she knew a lot about cancer care.  Years as a health professional had given her time to learn about cancer care and gain a closer look at the challenges Latinos face in getting treatment.  That’s why, when the mother of four was diagnosed with colon cancer at age 36, she was shocked by just how little she really knew.  However, it was enduring the disease as a young Latina that guided her toward her life's purpose – serving as a patient health leader to uplift the voice of Latino cancer survivors.  “I love advocacy .... It's like one of the things that I'm convinced that I was put on this earth to do. I just had to get cancer to get to it first,” Santos McLeod said.  Update 03/16/2026: After the initial publication of her story ...

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Recap: 2026 Advancing Cancer Research for Latinos and All Populations Conference



Cancer remains a large health threat in South Texas and beyond. To improve cancer understanding and outcomes, Dr. Amelie G. Ramirez of Salud America! and UT Health San Antonio hosted the 5th biennial Advancing Cancer Research for Latinos and All Populations conference on Feb. 18-20, 2026, at the Plaza San Antonio in San Antonio, Texas. Advancing Cancer Research for Latinos and All Populations drew over 300 researchers, doctors, leaders, and students for an open dialogue on cancer. Discussion covered new studies in clinical best practices, treatments, effective community interventions, advocacy, policy, and professional training in cancer research. "We still have work to do, but I am excited and proud to charge into the future with such a passionate group of people for ...

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Advancing Cancer Research for Latinos and All Populations Conference to Target Cancer in South Texas and Beyond


advancing cancer research in latinos and all populations conf 2026

To spur solutions that improve cancer care in South Texas and across the United States, UT Health San Antonio and its Mays Cancer Center are hosting the 5th biennial Advancing Cancer Research for Latinos and All Populations conference on Feb. 18-20, 2026, at the Plaza San Antonio in San Antonio, Texas. Advancing Cancer Research for Latinos and All Populations is expected to draw over 300 researchers, doctors, community leaders, and survivors for an open dialogue on the latest cancer research and how to improve cancer outcomes for all people. Media is invited to attend. “Advancing Cancer Research for Latinos and All Populations is where we gather to share timely research from every stage of the cancer continuum to improve genetic studies, clinical best practices, and community ...

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Dr. Amelie G. Ramirez on the Importance of Participating in Alzheimer’s Clinical Trials


Amelie Ramirez - UT Health San Antonio 1

How can we help our abuelos and other loved ones who are dealing with Alzheimer's disease? Clinical trials! These are studies with volunteers that help researchers learn more to help slow, manage, and treat Alzheimer’s for current and future family members. But without volunteers for clinical trials, the benefits may miss certain groups. That's why Salud America! is joining the San Antonio Center for Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (AD/ADRD) Population Aging and Social Studies (CAPAS). CAPAS will unite researchers from UT San Antonio, the Center for Brain Health, the Biggs Institute for Alzheimer’s and Neurodegenerative Diseases, and others.  Community Impact, a local news agency across Texas, featured the effort in an article and interviewed Dr. Amelie G. ...

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