Alzheimer's Association Event, The Longest Day, Honors Those Living With Alzheimer's And Their Caregivers

CHICAGO, June 20, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Each year on the summer solstice, falling on Monday, June 20 in 2016, the Alzheimer's Association^® hosts The Longest Day^®, a team event to raise funds and awareness for the fight against Alzheimer's. From sunrise to sunset, teams across the globe participate in activities they love – playing bridge, hiking, baking, karaoke – to fundraise and honor someone facing the disease. The duration of the event symbolizes the challenging journey of those living with the disease and their caregivers. The event takes place during Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month.

"For those facing Alzheimer's, every day is the longest day," said Donna McCullough, chief development officer, Alzheimer's Association. "The Longest Day honors the strength, heart and endurance of people with Alzheimer's and their caregivers. By coming together on this day, we show these families that they are not alone and inspire hope for our vision: a world without Alzheimer's."

Worldwide, there are an estimated 47 million people living with Alzheimer's and other dementias. More than 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's, and this number is estimated to grow to as many as 16 million by the year 2050, according to the Alzheimer's Association^® 2016 Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures report. Additionally, there are more than 15 million caregivers nationwide providing support to those living with the disease. Alzheimer's is the sixth-leading cause of death in the country, and the only cause of death among the top 10 that cannot be prevented, cured or even slowed.

The Alzheimer's Association is asking the public to come together and help fight Alzheimer's disease during Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month by doing the following:

• Start or join a team at alz.org/thelongestday.
• Join the Alzheimer's Association in wearing purple on June 20, and share photos of yourself, family, friends and co-workers wearing purple via Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, etc. with the hashtags #ENDALZ and #TLD
• Uncover the truths about Alzheimer's disease by visiting alz.org/abam to learn and share information about the disease.

This year, some of the activities The Longest Day teams will be participating in include a motorcycle ride from Mexico to Canada, hiking to 48 mountain tops, a rock-a-thon with rocking chairs and multiple cross-country cycling rides. Others are showing their support by doing a variety of activities with Global Teams NuStep^®, PS Lifestyle and Senior Lifestyle^® living communities. Inaugural Global Team American Contract Bridge League (ACBL) will be participating in The Longest Day for the fourth year, with 168 teams in all 50 states holding tournaments, teaching bridge lessons and hosting games. During the past three years, the organization has raised a total of $1.7 million for the Alzheimer's Association on The Longest Day.

In support of Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month and as the Official Sponsor of The Longest Day, Good Neighbor Pharmacy^®, a national independent pharmacy network under AmerisourceBergen, will be raising funds and awareness for the cause at pharmacies across the country. Throughout June, select Good Neighbor Pharmacy stores will run a point-of-sale fundraising program with a minimum contribution of $100,000. Customers who donate a minimum of $1 will receive a "The Longest Day" pin-up to honor someone that's facing the disease.

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 or call 800.272.3900.

SOURCE Alzheimer's Association

Related Links

http://www.alz.org