National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month kicks off tomorrow! There are a variety of ways that you can both raise awareness to the issue as well as enjoy some time helping to slow down the process of Alzheimer’s disease. More than 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease. Those numbers expected to triple by 2050. That’s why it’s more important than ever to get informed and really help your loved one cope with Alzheimer’s. National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month is designed to help promote awareness as well as remind us of the importance of caregivers. This celebration will hopefully bring you and your loved one together as you both deal with the issue of Alzheimer’s disease together. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to ensure that you’re making the most of this month.
Ways to Celebrate National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month
Walk To End Alzheimer’s
Communities all across the nation participate in the Alzheimer’s Association’s annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s. The walk aims to “raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support, and research.” This is a great way for you and your loved one to participate in an event that will hopefully help to find a cure for Alzheimer’s in the future. This fundraiser and charity walk is a nationwide event. Look up where your closest event is so that you can help celebrate National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month.
Recognize a Caregiver
Another great way to celebrate National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month is to recognize a caregiver for all that they do. Purple is the official color of the Alzheimer’s Association. The association is encouraging people to honor a caregiver by leaving an online tribute on its website throughout the month of November. This is an easy and free way to say thank you or honor someone working hard to care for a loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s. Caregiving, especially for those suffering from Alzheimer’s, is often a tiresome and thankless job. Showing a little recognition to a caregiver can go a long way. This month isn’t just about Alzheimer’s awareness. It’s also about celebrating those who are working with those suffering from the disease every single day.
Participate in a National Memory Screening
National Memory Screening events aim to provide free memory tests. The goal of screening is to detect memory loss early and start treatment for those showing signs of cognitive impairment. You can be a source of encouragement and strength for friends, family and loved ones simply by participating. If you would like to do more to raise awareness, host or visit a site near you. Not only is it a great way to show unity between you and your loved one, but it’s also a great way to screen for the possibility of Alzheimer’s or any other mental issues. If you want to celebrate National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month, a proper memory screening might be a great idea.
Get Your Workplace Involved
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, “44% of family caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s are employed full or part-time.” The workplace is also a terrific forum for getting the word out about ending the disease. Small donations from many employees can add up to a significant contribution to ending Alzheimer’s. Bringing together your workplace is yet another way to help support the cause. It will also open up the conversation with your coworkers about the difficulties of being a full-time caretaker on top of having a full-time job.
There are numerous ways to celebrate National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month. Don’t forget that if you’re looking to transition yourself or your loved one into a senior care community, we have an entire section dedicated to memory care homes. These are homes that are designed to help seniors dealing with Alzheimer’s and other memory-related issues. Find additional Alzheimer’s resources through SeniorCaring.com.
