NATIONWIDE -- The month of November is recognized as National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month. Today it's estimated that more than five million Americans have the disease while efforts are ongoing to find a cure.

Here's a look at a few statistics provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

Alzheimer's is the most common form of dementia.

The disease usually begins after age 60 and the risk goes up with age.

About five percent of men and women in the US between the ages of 65 and 74 have the disease.

The Saint Camillus Health and Rehabilitation Center provides services to help people with dementia cope with the disease. Programs like "Stay Sharp" and the "Memory Academy" allow people to learn about their brain health and help maintain or improve cognitive skills.

"It isn't all a downhill slope. There are things that people can do for themselves to help maintain their skills even if they are affected by Alzheimer's Disease or other types of conditions that cause dementia,” said Ellen Somers, St. Camillus Alzheimer's Serv. Coordinator.

Somers says about 11,000 people are currently living in Onondaga County with Alzheimer's Disease.

For more information about when the Alzheimer's Programs are available at Saint Camillus, visit
www.st-camillus.org.