Irmo High School sophomore Hunter Hugg played a key role in securing a statewide proclamation recognizing June 2026 as Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month across South Carolina. He submitted a formal request directly to the Office of Governor Henry McMaster, resulting in the official statewide proclamation.
The recognition brings attention to the growing global impact of dementia, which is currently the seventh leading cause of death worldwide and a major contributor to disability. More than 55 million people are living with dementia globally, a number expected to increase to about 78 million by 2030. A majority of those afflicted live in low- and middle-income countries, highlighting the urgent need for increased awareness, improved care, and prevention strategies.
Dementia is an umbrella term for diseases that affect memory, thinking, and behavior, interfering with daily life. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form, characterized by progressive memory loss and cognitive decline. While age is the strongest known risk factor, dementia is not a normal part of aging. A lack of awareness and understanding often leads to stigma, delayed diagnosis, and barriers to proper care.
The impact extends beyond those diagnosed, affecting caregivers, families, and communities. In 2019, the global economic cost of dementia reached $1.3 trillion and is expected to more than double by 2030. Research suggests that around 45 percent of dementia cases may be preventable by addressing modifiable risk factors across the lifespan.
Hugg’s advocacy is deeply personal and rooted in his own experience.
“This proclamation means a lot not just to me, but to my family as I lost my grandmother due to Alzheimer’s,” Hugg said. “Watching someone you care deeply for be taken from this horrible disease while growing up really had an impact on me. I want to spread my support to other families who are affected and make sure the efforts to finding treatments don’t go unnoticed.”
