Submitted by Beth Rush
Founder and Managing Editor
Body+Mind Magazine

On this day, the world is reminded that they don’t have to fight alone. You can stand with them in many ways on the longest day of the year.

Annually there are unique fundraising events to fight Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. It happens on the summer solstice, June 21, marking the year’s longest day.

This symbolic celebration is now designed to outshine the darkness and lonliness in the journey of those affected by the disease and their caregivers. It’s the day individuals and communities collaborate to help raise awareness and funds to accelerate ongoing global research and maximize quality social support.

Why should people care? Alzheimer’s is the seventh leading cause of death in the country and the most common form of dementia among older adults.

This brain disease slowly affects memory, cognitive skills, and, eventually, the ability to perform simple tasks. Participating in a Longest Day event, which a variety of organizations celebrate, supports people with dementia, their caregivers, and researchers.

The Longest Day campaign aims to bring light and celebrate our relationships with those living with or caring for someone with Alzheimers ro another form of dementia.

The disease has been metaphorically envisioned as trees losing their leaves, representing memories and the ability to perform tasks efficiently. While this imagery aptly describes brain deterioration, it prompts people to view the disease in a negative light.

This year, more communities strive to promote messages that project a more positive mindset. The idea is to encourage spending more time with loved ones, celebrating joyful moments, and promoting social activities to show that Alzheimer’s is not all doom and gloom.

A Cure Isn’t The Only One Way To Show Support

Participate in or launch empowering fundraising efforts that convey hope for people with Alzheimer’s. There is no cure for this disease, but if you support ongoing studies and promote mind-boosting activities on The Longest Day, you contribute to advancing dementia care and research efforts.

There are many ways to show your support for the campaign. Here’s what other people have done or are doing to fight Alzheimer’s.

People work together through their hobbies, creativity, and passion to join the fight against the disease. Supporters launch exercise, music, or art events to raise money for dementia organizations or engagement them in participating in events.

Sometimes, the activity is inspired by a loved one’s hobby. For instance, someone whose grandmother enjoyed cooking and has Alzheimer’s can launch a potluck fundraiser in her honor.

Norm McNamara lives with Lewy Body dementia and Jane Moore created The Purple Angel Dementia Awareness Campaign. Its global efforts connect people by representing all dementia.

Through a simple graphic that is free to individuals and organizations, they are shining a light on dementia, showing the power of inclusion and purpose.

They do a lot of work with iPods and encourage people to have a variety of types and sizes of musical events called the World Rock Against Dementia.

Organizations and companies can sponsor events to participate in The Longest Day. Sponsors make a huge impact and get recognition for doing so, such as brand presence on the campaign’s website, emails, customized planning, and workplace wellness initiatives.

A visit can be magical for them and you too!  Sometimes we get so wrapped up in the big picture we forget about the actual people we are doing the fundraising for. 

All Ages can participate! Get creative and empower all by letting them do what they know, love, or want to do to support dementia care. Everyone wants a cure, but we also all want to matter and feel like we belong and are valued – Dementia or not.

Let us all be part of the solution! Check out KidCaregivers.

You can do any activity you wish and turn it into a fundraising event. Some choose to play a sport, while others spend the day doing a hobby. Whatever that is, ensure your activity is something you genuinely enjoy.

People with a form of dementia see and experience the world differently — what might be evident to you isn’t for them. There are many support services to help you learn the right ways to approach them is essential. For example, someone with Alzheimer’s might get triggered by various body language. Understanding this can help you engage with them in an engaging and empathetic manner. Explore the many resources available to you.

Participate in events such as music and arts, runs, walks, and other fundraising events. Many organizations are always looking for volunteers to spread the word about the fight against the disease. There are many small local and midsize organizations doing amazing work to improve the lives of those living with a form of dementia.

Get Connected

Did you know there are organizations that allow those living with dementia to play a major role in the development of services. These free tools for caring for people with Alzheimer’s provide actionable tips to make caregiving more fulfilling.

No matter how small, every effort will make a difference. Whether it’s spending time with a loved one living with a form of dementia, going to an existing event, or through personal fundraising for an event or volunteering, there are many ways to get involved in the fight against Alzheimer’s, and other dementias. Don’t miss your chance to show your support this year.

The Above Article was Submitted by Beth Rush Founder and Managing Editor
Body+Mind Magazine and member of Dementia Map.