Anticipating Summer Solstice in Support of Alzheimer’s Funding

It helps to have something on the back burner, something to anticipate in the days, weeks, and months ahead. We need something on which to place our concentration, other than COVID-19.

Summer solstice is that thing. Not the day so much, but the annual event surrounding it.

Alzheimer’s Association Continues ‘Longest Day’

Since 2012, the Alzheimer’s Association has used the summer solstice as an analogy. Summer solstice begins when the direction of the Earth’s axis is mostly tilted toward the sun. This creates the longest day of the year. As the sun shines longer in the sky on that day, the Alzheimer’s Association chooses to shine a light on Alzheimer’s disease to spread awareness and raise funds for Alzheimer’s research. The event is called “The Longest Day.”

Why Get Involved

Alzheimer’s disease, the most common type of dementia, is no respecter of persons. Every 65 seconds, someone in the United States develops Alzheimer’s. Anyone can be affected, and some of us will be. We’ll join the 16 million caregivers, or sadly, the 5 million of our friends, neighbors, and family members who are diagnosed with the life-altering illness.

Alzheimer’s is personal, which is why it’s important to get involved with The Longest Day. It is an opportunity to fight for someone with the disease, maybe even for your future self, and to raise money for a cure.

Currently, there’s no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, but medical science is getting closer. You can help by registering to take part in fundraising efforts on The Longest Day.

The summer solstice is your chance to join people from around the world to beat back Alzheimer’s disease. The Alzheimer’s Association has made it easy: Simply choose a fundraising activity to complete on your own or with a team, and then do it. It can be anything. Choose a hobby, a game to play, or take a walk on a treadmill.

Getting started

Once you’ve chosen a fundraising activity to complete, sign up online to set up your fundraising page. Make it official by inviting friends to either donate or to create their own fundraiser.

You can trust that the money raised will go directly to benefit the fight against Alzheimer’s disease and to support those who have it.

The Alzheimer’s Association designates only 5% of funds to administrative purposes. A whopping 77% is directed to the care and support of people with Alzheimer’s disease and to research, awareness, and advocacy. Eighteen percent goes to fundraising efforts.

There’s plenty of time to become involved before the summer solstice approaches. Begin thinking now about the fight you’ll wage against Alzheimer’s disease on June 20.

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Note: Alzheimer’s News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Alzheimer’s News Today or its parent company, BioNews Services, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to Alzheimer’s disease.