Gov. Holcomb Announces June Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month

Last updated on Friday, June 1, 2018

(INDIANAPOLIS) - June is Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month, a time dedicated to increasing public awareness of Alzheimer’s disease, available resources and how people can get involved to support the cause.

During the month of June, Gov. Eric Holcomb invites Hoosiers to raise awareness and take action through the Alzheimer's Association Greater Indiana Chapter's 65 Ways to Go Purple.

"I issued a proclamation and encourage every Hoosier to participate in Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month to raise critical awareness of the disease and support available to our fellow neighbors through organizations like the Alzheimer's Association," said Gov. Holcomb.

More than five Indiana mayors have joined Gov. Holcomb in announcing the month of June (or a specific day) as Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month, including Tom Henry, Fort Wayne; Greg Goodnight, Kokomo; Dennis Tyler, Muncie; Tony Roswarski, Lafayette; and Joe Yochum, Vincennes (June 1, 2018). In Indiana alone, more than 110,000 people are living with Alzheimer's and 338,000 unpaid caregivers provide an annual 385 million hours of care valued at over $4.85 billion.

"It's an honor to have Gov. Holcomb's support in Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month," said Natalie Sutton, Alzheimer's Association Greater Indiana Chapter Executive. "We see first-hand how Hoosiers are affected by this disease - emotionally, financially and physically. It's our mission to provide Alzheimer's care, support and research, and his partnership helps us reach and educate people in all Indiana communities."

65 Ways to Go Purple

Every 65 seconds, someone develops Alzheimer's disease in the United States. To recognize this alarming statistic, the Alzheimer's Association Greater Indiana Chapter has created 65 Ways to Go Purple, the official color of the Alzheimer's movement. Hoosiers can choose how they will participate in the fight against Alzheimer's throughout the month of June: attending education programs, support groups or fundraising events; understanding the benefits of early diagnosis and clinical research; knowing where to find support and resources; turning their towns and cities purple, and more. Additional ways to participate include:

Understanding early symptoms of Alzheimer's or behaviors that merit discussion. The Alzheimer's Association encourages Hoosiers to be familiar with 10 Warning Signs, alz.org/10signs. Should these signs appear, it is important to talk to the person experiencing symptoms and encourage them to speak with a medical professional.
Knowing where to find support. Throughout Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month, the Alzheimer's Association is highlighting resources that can help individuals in the wake of a diagnosis. The Association's Livewell resources offer insights from people living in the early stage of the disease and address important topics, including life after diagnosis, living healthy with Alzheimer's and finding strength to move forward. The Alzheimer's Association is also offering 10 Steps to Take Following an Alzheimer's Diagnosis, alz.org/10steps.
Financially supporting Indiana families facing Alzheimer's by hosting a do-it-yourself fundraising event, or an online fundraiser, as part of The Longest Day®, a signature event for the Alzheimer's Association held on or leading up to the summer solstice, June 21.

To view the complete list of 65 Ways to Go Purple, visit alz.org/Indiana/abam.

About the Alzheimer's Association

The Alzheimer's Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer's care, support and research. It is the largest nonprofit funder of Alzheimer's research. The Association's 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. Its vision is a world without Alzheimer's. Visit alz.org/indiana or call 800-272-3900.

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