Alzheimer's Association designates June 21 as Wear Purple Day

The inaugural Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month is an opportunity to raise awareness of the Alzheimer’s crisis and inform people about the realities of the disease. So, the Alzheimer’s Association is asking everyone with a brain to join the purple movement this June and help protect their greatest assets.

Often thought of as minor memory loss, Alzheimer’s is a fatal disease that kills nerve cells and tissue in the brain, affecting an individual’s ability to remember, think and plan. As the disease advances, the brain shrinks dramatically due to cell death. Individuals lose their ability to communicate, recognize family and friends, and care for themselves.

“The way this disease progresses ends up devastating the entire family - not just the person who has dementia,” said Wendy Campbell, Alzheimer’s Association Delaware Valley Chapter president and CEO. “We need everyone to get on board and ride this purple train with us, all the way to cure.”

The Delaware Valley Chapter joins other chapters across the country in also asking high-profile individuals, like local elected officials, TV anchors and reporters to show their support on the summer solstice, Saturday, June 21, and wear purple.

That day is also the day people around the world will honor the strength, passion and endurance of those facing Alzheimer's with an entire day of activity called The Longest Day. Participants in The Longest Day will complete approximately 16 hours of activity ranging from running, cooking and knitting to biking and playing cards. To join or start a team, visit alz.org/thelongestday.