June is Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month. Here’s how you can help reduce the stigma by bringing the disease to wider public attention.
Alzheimer’s Disease (commonly referred to simply as Alzheimer’s) is the most common form of dementia, causing loss of memory and cognitive abilities and ranking as the seventh leading cause of death in the United States. It affects more than 6 million Americans and those who care for them, with this number expected to double by 2050.
There is currently no known cure for Alzheimer’s, but early detection and treatment can help slow the progression of the disease. Raising awareness of Alzheimer’s can help reduce stigmatization, encourage early diagnosis, and foster understanding. Here’s a look at what’s already being done to improve the public profile of this disease and how you can get involved.
How can we raise awareness of Alzheimer’s?
June is Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month, and the occasion is marked by supporters using purple in various forms, including wearing purple ribbons and purple clothing of any kind. If you’re looking for ideas, the Alzheimer’s Association shop offers an array of merchandise to help supporters make a colorful statement.
Social media is the perfect place to use a purple color scheme or visuals like banners and educational graphics. The hashtag #EndAlz can also be used to link your online comments to the larger cause. BrainGuide is a free resource that offers several ways to make promoting Alzheimer’s awareness part of your online presence, including widgets and prewritten web page copy.
You could also download and print out flyers, posters, and fact sheets to distribute to local businesses, encouraging them to take the Purple Pledge and provide information on Alzheimer’s and its treatments to their customers.
Volunteer for the cause
Volunteers can help drive positive change by promoting public awareness and making life easier for Alzheimer’s patients and their loved ones. Some ways to volunteer are:
Hosting or joining fundraising events
The Walk to End Alzheimer’s and Ride to End Alzheimer’s are two annual events that help raise money and awareness. The Longest Day is also recognized on June 21 every year and has been made a central fundraising date on the Alzheimer’s action calendar.
Becoming a public educator
You don’t have to be a teacher to share Alzheimer’s knowledge with others. Distributing leaflets, putting up posters, or applying to become a volunteer public speaker are all effective ways to spread the word. Posting educational materials on social media is also a form of volunteering, as is making paper materials available in your workplace, community center or library, or apartment complex. Always ask permission from the proper sources before distributing any promotional materials.
Pushing for changes in public policy
Contacting public officials to ask about Alzheimer’s policy and challenging unsatisfactory approaches can make a difference. The Alzheimer’s Impact Movement (AIM) is always working to improve things and is currently running an Access Now petition to urge the reform of unfair medical legislation.
Taking part in clinical trials
People at risk for Alzheimer’s or who already suffer from the disease can provide valuable medical insight by participating in clinical trials. This research can also be helped when those with no signs of Alzheimer’s take part. Just remember to talk to your healthcare provider before participating in a medical trial or allowing someone you care for to do so. Though trials are strictly regulated, some carry an element of risk.
Getting your business involved
The financial and promotional resources of a business are usually more powerful than any single member of the public’s best efforts. Your organization could become a partner in raising Alzheimer’s awareness by sponsoring public events, offering a donation matching program to employees, or advertising fundraising activities.
Participating in any of these volunteer opportunities can help reduce the stigma surrounding Alzheimer’s, which is especially important when it comes to early diagnosis. If more people would talk to their doctors at the first sign of Alzheimer’s symptoms, it could not only improve treatment outcomes but also help the American healthcare system up to $7.9 trillion.
Making charitable donations
The Alzheimer’s Association makes donating easy. You can select any amount you’d like to give, and you can make that a one-time donation or a recurring gift. There are many other charities working hard to make life easier for Alzheimer’s patients, their loved ones, and their caregivers, including:
You can double the impact of your gift by taking advantage of matching programs run by some charities at varying times. The BrightFocus Foundation is a further source of positive activism and resources. Their Brain Info Live initiative aims to unite the Alzheimer’s community and the public in dialogue toward greater awareness. They also take donations.
Join ModRN Health to reduce prescription stress
Alzheimer’s is a long-term condition that can last many years and require ongoing prescription medications. ModRN Health helps patients and caregivers find the most affordable prescription prices on brand names and generic alternatives at the pharmacies closest to them. ModRN Health isn’t an insurance plan, so even those with existing medical coverage can benefit.
Some of our members save hundreds of dollars each year and enjoy up to 80% better prices on their prescriptions. Plus, when you use your ModRN Health discount card, you earn rewards points redeemable for gift cards from your favorite stores. Sign up for your free account today to make medical expenses more manageable!
