March 19, 2024

Local Residents Join the Alzheimer's Association to Shine Light on Alzheimer's

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June 15, 2020 – On June 20, 2020 – the summer solstice and the day with the most light – Rhode Island residents will join advocates across the world to participate in The Longest Day® to fight the darkness of Alzheimer’s through an activity of their choice. Together, they will use their creativity and passion to raise critical funds and awareness to advance Alzheimer’s Association® care, support and research programs. The event coincides with Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month® in June.

This year, given the COVID-19 crisis, many of The Longest Day participants will choose to support the event “virtually” through “at-home” and “social-distance” activities -- biking, hiking, playing bridge, knitting, face mask making and more – to shine a light on the more than 5 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s or other dementia, and the more than 16 million family members and friends providing care and support.

Many have partnered with the Alzheimer’s Association to participate in Wine Down Fridays to engage virtually by showcasing fun activities anyone can do at home, including a cooking demonstration by Rhode Island celebrity chef Frank Terranova, hair dying lessons with the salon Beauty and the Beach of Warwick, Zumba with instructor Anne Kimpton and a virtual dance party with NBC 10’s Sam Read as well as DJ’s Ray Arruda, Jr. and Ray Arruda, Sr. that will take place virtually this Friday, June 19, in celebration of the Summer Solstice.

“These events are an incredible way to raise awareness for how Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia impact every-day people, and to help raise needed funds to help support them,” said Donna M. McGowan, Executive Director of the Alzheimer’s Association, Rhode Island Chapter. “Anyone can create their own fundraiser, safely and without risk. Now more than ever, we need the public's support."

Key facts about Alzheimer’s include:

  • Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States.
  • Every 65 seconds, someone in the United States develops Alzheimer’s.
  • More than 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s or other dementias, and more than 16 million family and friends are providing care and support.
  • In Rhode Island alone, there are more than 24,000 people living with Alzheimer’s and more than 54,000 family members and friends caring for them.

Visit www.alz.org/thelongestday  for more information and to register and to create their own fundraiser.

About the Alzheimer’s Association®
The Alzheimer's Association leads the way to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer's and all other dementia®. For more information, visit alz.org or call the 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900.

Alzheimer's, dementia

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