The Longest Day for Alzheimer’s is a campaign to raise awareness and money to support those who have the disease. The day coincides with the Summer Solstice on June 21st—the longest day of the year with the most hours of light.

Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia. It is a neurological health condition, meaning it affects the brain. Over time, it erodes a person’s memory and thinking skills and changes their behavior. Eventually, it impairs people’s abilities to carry out simple everyday tasks and maintain relationships.

This article explains how The Longest Day for Alzheimer’s raises funds and awareness and how to get involved. It also suggests where people with the disease can find help and support.

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The Longest Day for Alzheimer’s event takes place every year on June 21st. Globally, people promote awareness of the condition and raise money to:

  • fund research into possible treatments
  • fund research into possible cures
  • help support people with Alzheimer’s, their families, and caregivers

The Alzheimer’s Association, a patient advocacy group, organizes The Longest Day. They invite people to organize a fundraising activity of their choice.

June 21st is the Summer Solstice, which is the longest day of the year with the most hours of light. The Longest Day for Alzheimer’s aims to chase away the darkness of this challenging condition.

Learn about the symptoms of early onset Alzheimer’s here.

People can participate in any activity they like.

Examples include:

  • a sponsored exercise activity, such as a sponsored hike, indoor or outdoor cycle, a run, swim, or walk
  • a sponsored soccer, golf, tennis, or bowling match or tournament
  • a sponsored video game, board game, card game, or chess challenge
  • an arts and crafts session, dance, or any other type of class where the instructor donates their fee, and all attendees donate to take part
  • an auction where people donate items for others to bid on
  • a charity event, such as a quiz, a movie night, or a tabletop sale

To take part in The Longest Day, people can:

  • 1: Choose their activity
  • 2: Register online at the Alzheimer’s Association website
  • 3: Set up a fundraising page
  • 4: Share the page and invite others to take part or donate

All money raised during The Longest Day goes to the Alzheimer’s Association. They use the money to:

  • Support people with Alzheimer’s: The charity supports people with Alzheimer’s, their families, and caregivers. Services include online message boards, in-person and online support groups, and a free 24/7 telephone helpline on 800.272.3900.
  • Fund research: They support research looking for possible treatments and cures. The group has invested over $320 million in over 1,000 research projects across 54 countries.

Learn more about caring for someone with Alzheimer’s here.

Alzheimer’s fast facts

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Alzheimer’s:

  • is the most common form of dementia
  • is a progressive disease that gets worse over time
  • affects the part of the brain that controls thoughts, memory, and language
  • currently affects around 6 million people in the US
  • tends to affect people aged 65 and older
  • is becoming more widespread, with experts predicting that 14 million people in the United States will be living with Alzheimer’s by 2060

Researchers do not know what causes Alzheimer’s. However, some risk factors can make developing it more likely, including:

  • being over 65
  • having a family member with the condition

There is no cure for Alzheimer’s. However, doctors usually recommend medications to help with symptoms and slow disease progression. These might include:

  • cholinesterase inhibitors, such as galantamine, rivastigmine, or donepezil
  • immunotherapies, such as lecanemlab or aducanumab
  • N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) antagonists, such as memantine

Learn more about Alzheimer’s here.

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People can find more information about The Longest Day for Alzheimer’s at the Alzheimer’s Association website. The association has various ways of supporting people affected by Alzheimer’s, including:

  • a 24/7 free telephone helpline, on 800.272.3900
  • support programs
  • face-to-face and online support groups
  • education programs

The Longest Day for Alzheimer’s is an annual campaign to raise money and awareness of the disease. It coincides with the Summer Solstice on June 21st.

The Alzheimer’s Association encourages people to organize events and donate their time or money. The charity uses the money to support people with Alzheimer’s and fund research into the disease.

People can register their activity on the Alzheimer’s Association website, set up a fundraising page, and invite others to get involved.