Alzheimer's As A Second Language

INAUGURAL ALZHEIMER’S &
BRAIN AWARENESS MONTH

IN JUNE INITIATES A GLOBAL
CONVERSATION ABOUT DEMENTIA

Alzheimer’s Association^® Cleveland Area Chapter Invites Everyone to Go Purple on June 21^st to Raise Awareness of Alzheimer’s Disease and Brain Risk

Terminal Tower to glow purple June 21^st for The Longest Day

There are at least 44 million people worldwide living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, including 210,000 here in Ohio. Despite its soaring prevalence, Alzheimer’s disease is still largely misunderstood. The inaugural Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month is an opportunity to raise awareness of the Alzheimer’s crisis and educate people on the realities of the disease. The Alzheimer’s Association is asking everyone to join the purple movement this June and help protect our greatest asset: the human brain.

Often thought of as minor memory loss, Alzheimer’s is a fatal disease that kills nerve cells and tissue in the brain, affecting an individual’s ability to remember, think and plan. As the disease advances, the brain shrinks dramatically due to cell death. Individuals lose their ability to communicate, recognize family and friends and care for themselves.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association 2014 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report, nearly a quarter (24%) of people agree with the mistaken belief that Alzheimer’s must run in their family for them to be at risk. When looking at certain ethnic groups, these numbers were even higher. A third of Latinos (33%) and almost half of Asians (45%) agreed with that incorrect statement. In actuality, everyone with a brain is at risk for Alzheimer’s, a disease that currently has no way to prevent, stop or even slow its progression.

“Working closely with families in the area, we see the devastating effects of Alzheimer’s disease on a daily basis,” said Nancy Udelson, President and CEO, Alzheimer’s Association Cleveland Area Chapter. “As baby boomers age and the numbers of those affected rises, we encourage everyone to join the fight and help to reclaim the future for millions.”

On June 21, the summer solstice, people around the world will honor the strength, passion and endurance of those facing Alzheimer's with a day of activity. Participants in The Longest Day^® will complete approximately 16 hours of activity ranging from running, cooking and knitting to playing cards. To join or start a team, visit alz.org/thelongestday.

Additionally, the iconic Terminal Tower in downtown Cleveland will be illuminated in purple light to honor this day.

Other ways to join the fight against Alzheimer’s during June include:

·         Share the facts – Post and tweet about Alzheimer’s and brain risk throughout the month. If you have a brain, you are at risk for Alzheimer’s disease.

·         Be social – Turn Facebook purple using an END ALZ graphic as your profile picture.

·         Go purple – Wear purple on Saturday, June 21, the longest day of the year, to support those facing the devastation of Alzheimer’s day in and day out.

·         Use your brain to fight Alzheimer’s disease – Become an Alzheimer’s advocate and write your members of Congress to ask for more federal funding for Alzheimer’s research.

For more information on Alzheimer’s disease, how to get involved and purple gear, visit alz.org/abam.

ABOUT ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION CLEVELAND AREA CHAPTER

The Alzheimer’s Association Cleveland Area Chapter serves Ashtabula, Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake and Lorain counties with offices in Avon, Beachwood and Mentor.  The Association’s mission is to eliminate Alzheimer's disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. The disease currently affects more than five million American adults and is the 6th leading cause of death in the country. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer's. For more information, visit www.alz.org, follow us on Facebook, or Twitter.