The color purple: Washoe County sports the shade for a great cause

June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month.

Reno, Nevada. June 6, 2017. Washoe County is calling on all citizens to join a national campaign to wear purple during the month of June and elected officials are leading the way.

On Tuesday, June 20, the Board of County Commissioners will issue a proclamation declaring June “Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month” and June 21, “The Longest Day.” The County asks residents to join the effort during the Longest Day and raise awareness by wearing purple, which is the official color of Alzheimer’s awareness. Those interested in participating are encouraged to share their stories on social media through Facebook and Twitter by using #ENDALZ.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, more than 43,000 Nevada residents currently have Alzheimer’s.  Estimates show Nevada will see the number of people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s grow at the third fastest rate of any state in the country over the next eight years.

There is no cure for Alzheimer’s and everyone is at risk. However, it’s been proven that adopting healthy living habits such as regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight and blood pressure may prevent cognitive decline.

To go purple for Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, visit www.alz.org/abam. To start a team or join one for The Longest Day, visit http://www.alz.org/TheLongestDay call 800-272-3900.

About the Alzheimer’s Association®
The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research.  The 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.  The vision is a world without Alzheimer’s.

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