June is Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month, a month dedicated to encouraging a global conversation about the brain, Alzheimer's disease and other dementia. While Alzheimer's and dementia are becoming increasingly common for families across the United States and globally, there is still a stigma surrounding the subject. To help combat this, let's discuss a few tips:
First and foremost, educate yourself. Learn about Alzheimer's disease. Learn about dementia. Learn about the symptoms, disease progression, common challenges facing caregivers, and more. It's true that knowledge is power.
Second, don't make assumptions. While we know the general progression of Alzheimer's disease and how it affects the brain, Alzheimer's impacts every individual differently. Life does not end at diagnosis, it starts a new chapter. Do not assume that someone will just quit their daily routine or give up the things they enjoy because they have been diagnosed with a form of dementia.
Third, continue to show support to the individual living with a diagnosis as well as caregivers. Stay in touch, try not to back away. If you don't know what to say - Be honest but always be supportive. Again, this goes back to educating yourself with the resources available and most importantly, listening to the individual living through the disease.
The Alzheimer's Association provides a variety or outlets for individuals, friends, families, companies, and more to get involved in the fight to end Alzheimer's and all other forms of dementia. So how can you get involved?
Volunteer. The Alzheimer's Association is always looking for new volunteers to join the team. Within programs and services you can train to become a community educator or support group facilitator. You can also work specifically with our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion team to help expand our reach. You can get involved with the Alzheimer's Impact Movement and become an advocate and help advance public policy priorities of the Alzheimer's and dementia community. To help fund our programs and services so that they remain free to those in need, you can get involved with either of our signature fundraising campaigns: The Longest Day or The Walk to End Alzheimer's.
The Longest Day is a year-round campaign centered around the Summer Solstice. Inspired by the longest day of the year, the day with the most light, we are fighting to outshine the darkness of Alzheimer's. Participants are able to choose any activity they love in honor of those they love. The Walk to End Alzheimer's events occur in the Fall and they are the world's largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer's care, support, and research. Held in over 600 communities nationwide, the Walk to End Alzheimer's is always looking for new individuals, teams, and sponsors to lace up and join the cause.
The Alzheimer's Association is here for you today, and every day. You can find more information at our website or by calling our 24/7 Helpline 800.272.3900.
More information about the Alzheimer's Association:
General Volunteer Page: Find a Local Volunteer Opportunity
The Longest Day: Find Ways to Support
Walk to End Alzheimer's: Ways to Support
