The Longest Day

Two events related to Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month are listed below

The Longest Day, the Summer Solstice, is the day with the most light, and the Alzheimer's Association takes this time to shine a light on Alzheimer's, a major health issue that affects an estimated 6.5 million people living in the U.S.

June is Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month, when thousands of participants from across the world come together to raise funds and awareness for the care, support and research efforts of the Alzheimer’s Association.

 In Washington State there are more than 120 thousand people living with Alzheimer’s Disease and nearly 300 thousand caregivers.

In 2022, Alzheimer's and other dementias will cost the nation $321 billion, including $206 billion in Medicare and Medicaid payments combined. Unless more treatments to slow, stop or prevent the disease are developed and accessible, in 2050, Alzheimer's is projected to cost nearly $1 trillion (in 2022 dollars).

Tremendous gains have been made in understanding Alzheimer’s and other dementias, which have led to recent FDA accelerated approval of the first treatment that addresses the underlying biology of Alzheimer’s. These advances are also leading to significant strides in strategies for prevention, early detection, and more accurate diagnosis. The Alzheimer’s Association is a global leader in research, mobilizing the field to advance the vision of a world without Alzheimer’s and all other dementia.

Two local activities related to the Alzheimer's Awareness Month include the following:

• On June 15 at 7:30pm, the Alzheimer’s Association, Washington State Chapter and Town Hall Seattle presents Dr. Maria Carrillo with Denise Whitaker for an in-person and livestream event, “Advancing the Science: The Latest in Alzheimer’s and Dementia Research.” Dr. Carillo will discuss the latest in dementia science, risk factors for Alzheimer’s and other dementia, updates in early detection and diagnosis, and the latest advances in clinical trials, treatments and lifestyle intervention. The event takes place at Town Hall Seattle, 1119 8^th Ave (entrance off Seneca Street) in Seattle. Tickets are $5 (BUY TICKETS).

• NEST, North East Seattle Together, is a community that supports seniors to age successfully in their own home and neighborhoods by providing support, volunteers, events and resources to their members. In honor of the Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, NEST is hosting a pickleball tournament fundraising event. Supporters can simply donate to the fundraising efforts, or you can join the NEST Pickleball team. Learn more by clicking here. NEST is hosting the tournament on Saturday, July 16 from 11am to 3pm.

From the CDC: Scientists do not yet fully understand what causes Alzheimer’s disease. There likely is not a single cause but rather several factors that can affect each person differently. Age is the best-known risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease. The number of people living with the disease doubles every 5 years beyond age 65. This number is projected to nearly triple to 14 million people by 2060. Family history—researchers believe that genetics may play a role in developing Alzheimer’s disease. However, genes do not equal destiny. A healthy lifestyle may help reduce your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. 

For information about the local chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, including events, visit Alz.org/alzwa..

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