Awareness month event has new name: Do what you love to end Alzheimer’s
June happenings aimed at raising funds to get the word out, fuel research
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June is Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month, and the Alzheimer’s Association is holding a wide range of events to raise funds to fuel research and promote awareness of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.
According to the association’s website, more than 7 million people are living with Alzheimer’s in the U.S, a number that is projected to rise to almost 13 million by 2050. Although a few treatments to slow Alzheimer’s progression have recently been approved in the U.S., there remains no cure for Alzheimer’s, and many other forms of dementia lack any treatment options whatsoever. That’s why, each June, the association works to raise awareness and fund research to support its quest to bring about a world without these diseases.
Over the course of June (and throughout the rest of the year, the association will host many events aimed at providing support and education for people living with Alzheimer’s, as well as fundraising events. There will be virtual information events throughout the month offering practical advice on topics such as physical activity and nutrition. On June 10, the association is partnering with other groups on an in-person awareness event at the University of Florida.
As in years past, the capstone of awareness month will be observed on June 21, the summer solstice — the day with the longest sunlight in the northern hemisphere. Previously, June 21 was the day of a campaign dubbed The Longest Day, and the association encouraged community members to attend events and fundraise however they could. This year, the June 21 event still retains the same overarching goal, but it’s been rebranded with a new name: Do What You Love to End ALZ.
“The new name captures what makes the event so powerful — its flexibility, personalization and the emotional connection that draws people to their passion. It’s simple, clear and easy to share — all while staying true to the spirit of the original event,” according to an association webpage. It encourages community members to “select an activity, pick a date and fundraise for a future without Alzheimer’s and all other dementia.”
‘People are looking for clear, credible guidance they can trust’
In addition to various events, the association is calling on community members to spread the word on social media using the hashtag #ENDALZ, and to deck themselves out in purple — the color chosen to represent Alzheimer’s awareness.
The association also recently launched a new initiative called (re)think your brain, which aims to translate scientific research into practical steps that patients can take to support brain health in their day-to-day life.
“People are looking for clear, credible guidance they can trust,” Joanne Pike, president and CEO of the Alzheimer’s Association, said in a press release. “As a global leader in Alzheimer’s and brain health, we have a responsibility to translate the latest science into guidance people can act on, and (re)think your brain is how we’re helping people take control of their brain health.”
Pike noted that, in recent years, research into how lifestyle factors affect brain health has advanced substantially.
“Evidence shows that behaviors like physical activity, diet, and cognitive engagement may play a meaningful role in reducing dementia risk. The opportunity now is helping people apply that science in ways that are practical and sustainable,” Pike said. “The good news is that people are motivated. In our recent survey, 73% of adults said they are interested in programs that support brain health. That’s why we are focused on delivering trusted, science-backed resources that help people take action earlier and support their brain health over time. You don’t have to do everything at once. You just have to start.”
