Summer sunshine brings us warmth, patio chairs, lake days, golf, picnics, and fond memories. One of the more memorable days is on the summer solstice, The Longest Day, which will be June 20th this year. It’s the day that provides the most sunlight of the entire year and also a day to raise awareness and funds in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease.
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Alzheimer’s Awareness
Across the globe, there are 55 million people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia. Many people do not know that Alzheimer’s disease is a form of dementia and that it’s the most common form. Other examples of dementias include Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, Lewy Body dementia, frontotemporal dementia, and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, dementia is an umbrella term that describes a group of symptoms. The most common symptom widely known is memory loss. Those with dementia can also suffer from increasing confusion, difficulty problem-solving or doing routine tasks, misplacing things, difficulty speaking, mood changes, and withdrawal from social settings.
Navigating Alzheimer’s disease is a different process for each person who is diagnosed. Even families with a solid amount of education about the disease can find themselves in denial that their loved one truly has the diagnosis.
Fully understanding the array of challenges that can arise is important so that you can support your loved one safely. An excellent resource for understanding this issue is the Alzheimer’s Association website: https://www.alz.org/. It contains a wide array of helpful information and a 24-hour helpline, 1-800.272.3900, to offer advice and resources to those in need.
While the Alzheimer’s Association is an excellent source of information, it relies on fundraising to help others. It educates families on Alzheimer’s, symptom management, and services available to offer comfort and safety. The association also funds research in the hope that there will be a cure for Alzheimer’s disease.
Celebrating the Longest Day
Staying active and healthy may help prevent a number of health issues, including Alzheimer’s disease. On the Longest Day, you may see many physical events. Consider joining an event such as a walk, golf tournament, pickleball game, or tennis match.
The Longest Day events are a great way to raise awareness and funds and meet others impacted by Alzheimer’s disease. Visit the Alzheimer’s website to find events near you, or consider hosting your own.
In previous years, Edgewood has hosted outdoor yoga classes, music, car washes, raffles, bake sales, car shows, and card games. If you’ve lost a loved one to the disease, consider doing their favorite activity to honor their memory with something they enjoyed.
If you’re a golfer, there’s still time to RSVP to join Edgewood Healthcare in Grand Forks at the King’s Walk Golf Course on Tuesday, June 18, as we hold our annual golf tournament to support the Alzheimer’s Association. Registration begins at 10:30 with an 11:30 am start. You can expect prizes, raffles, and a light lunch on the course, and be sure to join us for awards, dinner, and live music as we enjoy every bit of daylight!
To learn how Edgewood Healthcare can support those with Alzheimer’s disease, please visit our website or email us at info@edgewoodhealthcare.com
