June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month

What is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month?

June is declared by the Alzheimer’s Association, the world’s largest non-profit funder of Alzheimer’s disease research, as Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month. It’s a month to help raise awareness about the disease, as well as show support for the millions of people worldwide living with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. In addition, it’s a time to recognize caregivers for the support that they provide to those living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.

What Is The Longest Day?

As a culmination of Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness month, the Alzheimer’s Association celebrates ‘The Longest Day’ on June 20th. This is a day of significance as it is the summer solstice and the day with the most sunlight. On this day people across the world will fight the darkness of Alzheimer’s through a fundraising activity of their choice.

Facts About Alzheimer’s*:

  • Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia, accounting for an estimated 60% to 80% of cases.
  • More than 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s. By the year 2050, this number is projected to rise to nearly 13 million people.
  • Alzheimer’s is the 6th leading cause of death in the United States. Alzheimer’s is the only Top 10 cause of death in the U.S. with no known cure.
  • 1 in 3 Seniors dies with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. It kills more people than breast cancer or prostate cancer combined.
  • 1 in 9 people age 65 and older (11.3%) has Alzheimer’s dementia.
*Provided by the Alzheimer’s Association

What is Alzheimer’s Disease?

Alzheimer’s is a form of dementia that affects memory, thinking, and behavior. It is a fatal disease that kills nerve cells and tissue in the brain. Symptoms eventually grow severe enough to interfere with an individual’s ability to remember, think and plan. Ultimately, those with the disease will lose their ability to communicate, recognize family and friends, and care for themselves.

To learn more about Alzheimer’s Disease, check out this informative Alzheimer’s Guide:

Part 1 – Identifying Alzheimer’s and Dementia in Your Loved One
Part 2 – Action Plan for Living with Alzheimer’s
Part 3 – Action Plan for Living with Alzheimer’s – Memory Care Options
Part 4 – Making a Successful Transition into Alzheimer’s Care
Part 5 – Living with Alzheimer’s

How to Participate in Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month

During the month of June, the Alzheimer’s Association asks people around the world to go purple and use their brains to fight this devastating disease. There are a variety of ways to get involved with friends, family, and in your workplace.

Go Purple:

Choose a day to ‘Go Purple’, have your family/friends dress in purple, decorate your office or host an event to benefit Alzheimer’s research. Many people choose June 20th – The Longest Day to participate and Wear Purple!

Honor:

Many people have been touched by Alzheimer’s Disease or dementia. They may have a friend or family member who is living with these diseases or acting as a caregiver. Show your support by organizing a team and honoring those individuals throughout the month and on The Longest Day. In addition, sign up to join the Walk to End Alzheimer’s in your local area to raise awareness and funds for research throughout the year.

Educate:

Speak with friends, family, and co-workers about the importance of this month. Create social media posts and start conversations surrounding this important topic. The more awareness that is spread about these topics is crucial for understanding how to treat them, care for those who are suffering from them, and ultimately funding research for a cure.

Participate:

Volunteer or organize an event to raise awareness of Alzheimer’s and dementia. Most individuals and organizations choose June 20th – The Longest Day to participate in fundraising events as a part of the June initiatives. However, you can also get involved in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s, happening in Fall. Cascades Verdae is proud to be a part of a National Team in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s with a yearly fundraising goal of $100,000. To donate to our Walk to End Alzheimer’s Team, click here.

By participating during the month of June, you can be a leader in the fight against Alzheimer’s Disease and dementia. To learn more about Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, visit the Alzheimer’s Association website here.