Alzheimer's Association Hosts The Longest Day In Honor Of Those Living With Alzheimer's And Their Caregivers

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Jun 21, 2017, 09:11 ET

CHICAGO, June 21, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, the Alzheimer's Association^® hosts The Longest Day^®, a day about love dedicated to all those affected by Alzheimer's disease. Whether it's choosing a favorite activity, hosting an event or joining a team, participants will take action to ignite a global conversation about Alzheimer's, the brain and other dementias as part of Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month^® in June.

Held annually on the summer solstice, The Longest Day symbolizes the challenging journey of those living with Alzheimer's disease and their caregivers. Participants will do what they love – playing bridge, biking, hiking, swimming, knitting and more – to honor a caregiver, someone living with Alzheimer's, or someone lost to this devastating disease. Together, participants will raise funds and awareness to advance Alzheimer's Association care, support and research programs.

"The Longest Day honors the strength, heart and endurance of the 5 million people living with Alzheimer's in the U.S. and their 15 million caregivers," said Donna McCullough, chief development officer for the Alzheimer's Association. "By coming together on this day, we show these families that they are not alone and inspire hope for our vision: a world without Alzheimer's."

This year, some of the activities The Longest Day teams will be participating in include an all-day roller derby, a rock-a-thon with rocking chairs, making jam, hundreds of bridge tournaments across the country and multiple cross-country cycling rides.

Others are showing their support by doing a variety of activities with Global Teams NuStep^®, Alpha Delta Kappa, CycleBar^®, Hemmings Motor News, PS Salon & Spa, UnitedHealtcare Medicare & Retirement, and Senior Lifestyle^® living communities.

Inaugural Global Team American Contract Bridge League (ACBL) will be participating in The Longest Day for the fifth year, with 213 teams in all 50 states holding tournaments, teaching bridge lessons and hosting games. During the past four years, the organization has raised more than $2.4 million for the Alzheimer's Association on The Longest Day. In support of Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month and as the Official Sponsor of The Longest Day, Good Neighbor Pharmacy^®, a national independent pharmacy network under AmerisourceBergen, will be raising funds and awareness for the cause at pharmacies across the country. Throughout June, select Good Neighbor Pharmacy stores will run a point-of-sale fundraising program with a minimum contribution of $100,000. Customers donate a minimum of $1 receive a "The Longest Day" pin-up to honor someone that's facing the disease.

Key facts about Alzheimer's include:

Worldwide, there are an estimated 47 million people living with Alzheimer's and other dementias.
More than 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's, and this number is estimated to grow to as many as 16 million by the year 2050, according to the Alzheimer's Association^® 2017 Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures report.
Additionally, there are more than 15 million caregivers nationwide providing care and support to those living with the disease.
Alzheimer's is the 6^th leading cause of death in the country, and the only cause of death among the top 10 that cannot be prevented, cured or even slowed.
Alzheimer's is the most expensive disease in America, exceeding a quarter of a trillion dollars ($259 billion) with projections to increase to more than $1.1 trillion in 2050.

The Alzheimer's Association is asking the public to come together and help fight Alzheimer's disease during Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month by doing the following:

Start or join a team, host an event or register individually at alz.org/thelongestday.
Join the Alzheimer's Association in wearing purple on June 21, and share photos of yourself, family, friends and co-workers wearing purple on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram with the hashtags #ENDALZ and #TLD.
In conjunction with Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month, new findings released from an Alzheimer's Association survey reveal dramatic impact of Alzheimer's disease on families.

About the Alzheimer's Association^®
The Alzheimer's Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer's care, support and research. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer's disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer's. Visit alz.org or call 800.272.3900.

SOURCE Alzheimer's Association