The National Institute on Aging describes Alzheimer’s disease as the “most common cause of dementia in older adults. It is a progressive brain disorder that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills. It is not a normal part of aging.”
On the Alzheimer’s Disease Fact Sheet, it notes “most people with Alzheimer’s, symptoms first appear later in life. Estimates vary, but experts suggest that more than 6 million Americans, most of them age 65 or older, may have dementia caused by Alzheimer’s.
Alzheimer’s disease is currently ranked as the seventh leading cause of death in the United States and is the most common cause of dementia among older adults.
Dementia is the loss of cognitive functioning — thinking, remembering, and reasoning — and behavioral abilities to such an extent that it interferes with a person’s daily life and activities. Dementia ranges in severity from the mildest stage, when it is just beginning to affect a person’s functioning, to the most severe stage, when the person must depend completely on others for help with basic activities of daily living.”
Purple is the color that is used for Alzheimer’s disease awareness. The Alzheimer’s Association has more information about awareness events. June is for Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month. Specifically, the longest day of the year, June 21st, which is the summer solstice is used for fundraising events. It symbolizes bringing light to the darkness of dementia.
The Alzheimer’s disease awareness ribbon is available on a variety of gifts and merchandise that already have a variety of messages. There are also blank purple awareness ribbon gift options too. All items in the Awareness Gallery store can be customized with your own words and images.
This ribbon art can also be available through the non-profit, DonnaBellas Angels. It provides inspirational art for mental health wellness. Email us at info@awarenessgallery.com.
