From Bridge Players To Bikers, Teams Worldwide Honor Those Facing Alzheimer's And Their Caregivers On The Longest Day®

CHICAGO, June 16, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- On June 21, 2014, The Longest Day^® participants across the globe will join with the Alzheimer's Association^® to honor those living with Alzheimer's disease and their caregivers. The Longest Day is a sunrise-to-sunset challenge to raise awareness and funds to fuel the care, support and research programs of the Alzheimer's Association.

Held on the longest day of the year, teams around the world will honor the strength, passion and endurance of those facing Alzheimer's by completing 16 hours of activity ranging from running, cooking and knitting to playing cards. Participants in The Longest Day are joining a global conversation about Alzheimer's disease, the brain and other dementias as part of the inaugural Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month in June.

Thousands are expected to join the awareness and fundraising efforts on The Longest Day, including:

• Sophia Aguirre, a Miss Iowa Outstanding Teen contestant, and her 'Twirl to End Alzheimer's" team will share the 16 hours of activity by twirling batons in honor of Sophia's great grandmother, who is living with Alzheimer's disease.
• The American Contract Bridge League, a global partner of The Longest Day, is building on their 2013 success of raising more than $575,000 and has challenged the American Motorcycling Association to join the cause by riding from sunrise-to-sunset. The "Bridge vs. Bikers Challenge" launched in Louisiana and is now spreading across the nation as they honor the endless journey so many facing Alzheimer's disease endure.
• World Tang Soo Do Association (WTSDA) will be engaged in a Black Belt Camp from sunrise-to-sunset on The Longest Day. Participants will include both black belt and non-martial artists interested in raising awareness to advance the efforts of the Alzheimer's Association.

"The Longest Day is an opportunity to do what you love and make an impact for millions of people worldwide who bravely face Alzheimer's disease every day," said Angela Geiger, chief strategy officer, Alzheimer's Association. "We applaud those who will stand with the Alzheimer's Association on June 21^st and show people with Alzheimer's and their caregivers that they are not alone."

Alzheimer's disease is a growing epidemic. Worldwide, there are at least 44 million people living with Alzheimer's and other dementias. In the U.S., Alzheimer's is the sixth leading cause of death and the only disease in the top 10 without a way to prevent, cure or even slow its progression.

To join a team or learn more about The Longest Day, visit www.alz.org/thelongestday or www.facebook.com/fightalz. For more information about Alzheimer's disease, visit the Alzheimer's Association at www.alz.org.   

Alzheimer's Association
The Alzheimer's Association is the world's 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 www.alz.org or call 800-272-3900.

SOURCE Alzheimer's Association