Activities taking place across North Carolina for Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month this June

June activities to support more than 210,000 North Carolina residents living with Alzheimer’s disease

This June, during Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month, the Alzheimer’s Association chapters in North Carolina are hosting activities statewide to elevate the conversation on the impact of Alzheimer’s disease. Established by the Alzheimer’s Association in 2014, Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month is dedicated to encouraging a global conversation about the brain and Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia.

Today, there are nearly 7 million million people aged 65 and older in the U.S. are living with Alzheimer’s dementia, including more than 210,000 in North Carolina. The lifetime risk for the disease at age 45 is 1 in 5 for women and 1 in 10 for men. The brain changes that cause Alzheimer’s are thought to begin 20 years or more before symptoms start, which suggests that there may be a substantial window of time in which we can intervene in the progression of the disease.

Experts believe there isn’t a single cause of Alzheimer’s. It’s likely the disease develops as a result of multiple factors. While not a direct cause of Alzheimer’s, the greatest known risk factor is advancing age. Although some risk factors like age cannot be changed, others — including physical activity, not smoking, education, challenging your mind, blood pressure and diet — may be modified to reduce a person’s risk.

“Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month offers the perfect opportunity for North Carolina residents to take charge of their brain health,” said Katherine L. Lambert, Alzheimer’s Association Regional Leader for NC, SC & GA. “We want people to know there are steps they can take to potentially reduce their risk of cognitive decline. We also want to encourage anyone experiencing memory or thinking problems to talk to their doctor. There are many possible causes — and if it is Alzheimer’s disease, there are numerous benefits to getting a timely diagnosis.”

In June, the Alzheimer’s Association in North Carolina is offering local educational opportunities in conjunction with Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month, including:

Alzheimer’s Awareness Presentations

Today, nearly 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s and over 11 million are using their unpaid caregivers – an escalating health crisis that affects many in our community. Attend this presentation for a brief, informative program to learn about the impact of the disease, local resources and ways you can join the fight against Alzheimer’s and all other dementias.

June 4 | 10:00-11:00 AM (Pittsboro)
June 8 | 10:00-11:30 AM (Durham)

Healthy Living for your Brain & Body

Science is now able to provide insights into how to make lifestyle choices that may help you keep your brain and body healthy as you age. Learn about research in the areas of diet and nutrition, exercise, cognitive activity and social engagement, and use hands-on tools to help you incorporate these recommendations into a plan for healthy aging.

June 1 | 10:30-11:45 AM (Live Webinar)
June 3 | 12:00-1:00 PM (New Bern) – lunch & learn
June 5 | 12:30-1:30 PM (Hamlet)
June 26 | 6:00-7:00 PM (Bethel)

Memory Matters & Cooking with the New Hanover Senior Resource Center

The Alzheimer’s Association will share brain health tips and lead interactive brain health games along with a cooking demonstration by New Hanover County Senior Resource Center Nutritionist Dylan Donnelly.

June 12 | 11:00-11:30 AM (Castle Hayne)
June 21 | 11:00 AM-12:00 PM (Carolina Beach)
June 26 | 11:00 AM-12:00 PM (Wilmington)

Lunch, Learn & Play during Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month

Learn about healthy living for the brain and body, discuss tips from the Alzheimer’s Association, and play some fun, interactive games to help keep the mind sharp in recognition of Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month.

June 13 | 12:30-2:00 PM (Kinston)

10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s

Alzheimer’s and other dementias cause memory, thinking and behavior problems that interfere with daily living. Learn how to recognize common signs of the disease; how to approach someone about memory concerns; the importance of early detection and benefits of a diagnosis; possible tests and assessments for the diagnostic process, and Alzheimer’s Association resources.

June 1 | 10:00-11:00 AM (Roaring River)
June 4 | 12:00-1:00 PM (Jonesville)
June 7 | 10:00-11:30 AM (Monroe)
June 11 | 10:00-11:00 AM (Pittsboro)
June 12 | 2:00-3:00 PM (Hickory)
June 13 | 8:30-9:30 AM (Taylorsville)
June 27 | 11:00 AM-12:00 PM (Cornelius)
June 28 | 9:00 AM-1:00 PM (Raeford)

Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia

Alzheimer’s disease is not a normal part of aging. Learn about the impact of Alzheimer’s; the difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia; stages and risk factors; current research and treatments available for some symptoms; and Alzheimer’s Association resources.

June 17 | 6:00-7:00 PM (Cornelius)
June 18 | 11:00 AM-12:00 PM (Charlotte)
June 21 | 12:15-1:00 PM (Albemarle)
June 27 | 5:30-6:30 PM (Fayetteville)

Check out the other programs we are offering this month on caregiving, as well. Additional information on educational programs and other care and support resources or how to get involved with the Association, can be found by visiting our Eastern NC and Western NC websites or by calling our 24/7 Helpline (800.272.3900).

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Outshine the Darkness of Alzheimer’s this June for The Longest Day

During June, the Alzheimer’s Association is also inviting North Carolina residents to participate in The Longest Day^®. Held annually around the summer solstice, The Longest Day invites participants to fight the darkness of Alzheimer’s through a fundraising activity of their choice. Throughout the month and culminating on the summer solstice, June 20, The Longest Day participants will use their creativity and passion to raise funds and awareness for the care, support and research efforts of the Alzheimer’s Association. Participants will bake, bike, hike, golf, knit, play bridge and take part in other favorite activities.

Here’s just a few examples of the more than 150 activities taking place across North Carolina for The Longest Day. We welcome you to attend one of these event or create your own activity for The Longest Day.

FirstLight Home Care of Greater Charlotte – Longest Day Fundraiser
June 4 | 4:30-6:30 p.m. | Edge City Brewery | Charlotte

Guests are invited to enjoy beer, pizza, music and a chance to win several one-of-a-kind raffle baskets. Admission is a $25 donation at the door, which includes pizza and a drink ticket. Learn more.

Forget It Concert
June 22 | Bands begin at 4PM |  Gypsy Road Brewing Company | Kernersville

Hear music from some great local bands, including Sons of Bootleg, Flat Blak Cadillac, and the Logan Thomas Band. Share in many fun activities, including raffles being drawn between each set! Gypsy Road will be selling their award-winning beer, and dinner purchases will be available from a local food truck. A suggested donation of $15 for attending will be collected at entry. Learn More.

Alpha Delta Kappa – Rock-a-thon
June 20 | Outside former Ashworth’s Drugs location | Downtown Cary

Organized by Alpha Theta, a Wake County chapter of Alpha Delta Kappa, a professional education organization. Participants will be rocking the day away to support Alzheimer’s research. Individuals and rocking chairs needed to help keep the rocking going throughout the day. Learn More.

Alzheimer’s Fundraiser Golf Event
June 24 | Seven Lakes Golf Club | West End

Registration opens at 7:30 a.m. with a shotgun start at 8:34 a.m. The tournament is a captain’s choice scramble and includes men’s, women’s and mixed foursomes. Individual Entry Fee includes 18 holes and cart, buffet lunch, goodie bag, and tournament challenges. Learn More.

We welcome you to attend one of these event or create your own activity for The Longest Day.For more information and to register for The Longest Day, visit alz.org/thelongestday.