Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month began June 1 with businesses and cities across Southeast Florida spreading awareness in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association Southeast Florida Chapter.
Cities from Key West to Fort Pierce are issuing proclamations recognizing June as Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, and businesses and civic centers in the area will be lit purple, the color of the Alzheimer’s Association.
Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month is dedicated to spreading awareness of Alzheimer’s disease and encouraging early detection and overall brain health. Along with going purple, participants are encouraged to share their Alzheimer’s stories on social media using #Endalzheimers; learn the 10 early warning signs of Alzheimer’s at alz.org/10signs; and get involved with The Longest Day and the Walk to End Alzheimer’s.
More than 540,000 Florida residents are living with Alzheimer’s disease, and 1.1 million residents are serving as caregivers for someone with the disease. These caregivers provided 1.277 billion hours of unpaid care in 2017, a value of $16.129 billion.
Alzheimer’s is a global epidemic that we must address now,” said Jennifer Braisted, public policy manager of the Alzheimer’s Association Southeast Florida Chapter. “Every 65 seconds someone in the U.S. is developing this disease. With the incidence rates rising, we must raise the level of awareness because Alzheimer’s is a family disease. Alzheimer’s caregivers not only have to care for their loved one with Alzheimer’s but must also take into account their own health, financial situation and the potential effect on their employment.”
To learn more about the Alzheimer’s Association Southeast Florida Chapter and the upcoming events for Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, visit alz.org/seflorida or call 800-272-3900.
