On this summer solstice, the Alzheimer’s Association is observing its annual summer fundraising and awareness-raising event – The Longest Day.
Terry Streetman, Development Specialist with the Alzheimer’s Association/ Nebraska Chapter, says when you are dealing with Alzheimer’s, every day can feel like the longest day. He says The Longest Day is all about love -- doing something to show love for those affected by Alzheimer’s Disease.
There are a number of events going on state-wide, including Runza donating a portion of certain menu items, groups holding cookouts, craft events, and even whole towns -- including Gothenburg and Cozad - are getting involved.
Streetman says the fundraising helps support the Alzheimer’s Association’s many programs and services.
“We provide education resources to individuals facing a diagnosis as well as caregivers and senior care facilities and physicians. We also provide support groups for families who are dealing with the diagnosis or people living with the disease. We also are the largest non-profit funder of research for Alzheimer’s disease. So, that’s our way of both taking care of the people who are looking for resources and dealing with the diagnosis now, but pursuing that eventual end goal of a world without Alzheimer’s.”
Streetman says there are 34,000 people age 65 or older living with Alzheimer’s in the state – and roughly 82,000 people providing uncompensated care. Nationwide, there are 5.7 million Americans living with the disease, a number that is expected to grow to 14 million by 2050.
For more about The Longest Day, or about Alzheimer's and other types of dementia, the website is Alz.org/Nebraska or thelongestday.alz.org.