Last Updated: June 4, 2019
Learn more about how you can participate on June 21, 2019.
How to Raise Awareness for Alzheimer’s
More than five and a half million people in the United States are estimated to be living with Alzheimer’s, and with that number expected to triple by 2050, it is paramount to increase awareness now.
In an effort to bring more recognition to the disease, The Alzheimer’s Association chose the summer solstice — the longest day of the year — to be the day of a sunrise-to-sunset relay event to support those facing the disease.
On their website, the Alzheimer’s Association says the purpose of the Longest Day is to:
“Come together to honor the strength, passion and endurance of those facing Alzheimer’s with a day of activity.”
Although a 16-hour day of raising awareness for Alzheimer’s may sound intimidating, there are many easy ways to take part in the event.
The Alzheimer’s Association recommends five steps to get started:
- Do what you love to raise awareness — like cooking, gardening or walking.
- Grab your friends and form a team.
- Remember to plan your day with your team, whether it’s raising awareness together or digitally, if in different locations.
- Then raise money doing what you love to support Alzheimer’s on the Longest Day.
- Remember to celebrate at sunset with your team and recognize the accomplishments you made towards bringing awareness to Alzheimer’s.
For more information on how to register for the event, visit The Longest Day‘s website or Facebook page.
Staying Involved
Even if you can’t participate in the Longest Day, it is important to remember that there are other ways to raise awareness for those facing Alzheimer’s and stay involved.
This could include:
- Getting educated about Alzheimer’s and dementia.
- Talking about Alzheimer’s.
- Wearing purple, the official color of the disease.
- Signing the “Stop Alzheimer’s” petition.
- Volunteering or donating to your favorite Alzheimer’s awareness organization.
How are you raising awareness for Alzheimer’s on the Longest Day? Share your thoughts about the day and your suggestions on raising awareness with us in the comments below.
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