I go purple all of the time, purple has been my favorite color since I was a little girl and I guess you can say that now for the month of June I bleed purple. I’m sure my fraternity brothers of Omega Psi Phi are going wait a minute?, (That’s one of their colors), but for Alzheimer’s I live it.
June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month. One of three months (the others are Sept. – World Alzheimer’s Month and Nov. – National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month) designated to further highlight this growing disease. Over five million Americans are living with this disease and that number is expected to jump to 75 million by 2050 and over 47 million people are living with dementia Worldwide.
- It’s the 6th leading cause of death and the only one without a cure.
- In the United States someone develops Alzheimer’s every 66 seconds.
- In 2017, Alzheimer’s will cost the United States $259 billion. This number is expected to rise to over $1 trillion by 2050.
- 15.9 million family and friends provide care to people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias in the United States.
- The annual global cost of dementia is $818 billion in U.S. dollars.
Sadly, this illness is becoming a growing silent epidemic. Silent because it scares people to talk about a disease that can take your mind, have you forget almost everyone and everything that you know, decrease your ability for self-care and one that currently has no cure. But those of us who advocate for the afflicted and their caregivers, as I once was, are fighting every day to remove the stigma, to provide hope and compassion and work every day to end alz.
So what will you do? Will you add the “I Go Purple” frame to your Facebook profile picture? Will you send one tweet, or share one Facebook or Instagram post that you stand with those who are fighting against Alzheimer’s? Will you participate in an activity tomorrow June 21st, that benefit’s the Alzheimer’s Association’s The Longest Day? Will you wear purple?
Your life doesn’t have to be affected directly to advocate, but I’m sure you know someone whose life has. Stand for and with them.
Tomorrow, June 21st, the summer solstice, join in on one of the Alzheimer’s Association’s largest fundraisers, The Longest Day. The Longest Day is a day about love. Select any activity you love — or an activity loved by those affected — and team up with the Alzheimer’s Association to raise funds and awareness for care and support while advancing research toward the first survivor of Alzheimer’s.
All across the US there will be activities beginning tomorrow into the weekend. Lead, join or support a myriad of activities, from dancing, bowling, BBQs, and baking to card games, dinners, running and biking all in an effort to raise funds and awareness. If you would like to participate in a local activity or start one of your own click here.
To learn more about Alzheimer’s, caregiving, the Longest Day and/or fundraising, please feel free to contact me at mizzriv@gmail.com or visit the Alzheimer’s Association’s page.
If you’re posting support use these hashtags #ENDALZ #aworldwithoutalz #thelongestday.
And don’t forget to wear purple.
CONFESSIONS OF A MASTER CAREGIVER 
Yup, you don’t have to be affected – but I was. It’s a terrible thing watching a beloved family member fade away until they don’t know who you are or why you’re there. One thing I do is spread awareness about Alzheimer’s prevention. There’s no sure-fire way to prevent it, but there are a lot of ways to reduce the risks… It’s a small thing, perhaps, one voice in a billion… But you never know who’s listening.