VITALIA Westlake Raising Alzheimer’s Awareness on the Longest Day

As we work to create light for others, we naturally light our own way.

Mary Anne Radmacher

June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, when those whose lives have been touched by memory-impairing diseases come together and raise awareness through education and support. This month includes June 21st, the summer solstice and the longest day of sunshine and light during the calendar year.

Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia affect over five million individuals in the United States alone. If we continue this current trajectory, this number is expected to triple by the year 2050. The impact of Alzheimer’s on individuals and those who love them is astounding. Memory, personality, problem solving, safety awareness, decision making, relationships – all these things and more are affected through no fault or choice of the individual. For families, this can feel like a loss that never seems to end.

While dementia is incredibly challenging for everyone involved, there are ways that each one of us can bring light to the darkness.

To most people, the Longest Day is simply something on the calendar. June 21st, also known as the summer solstice, is the day with the most sunlight. To those of us in the Alzheimer’s community we know it as a day to fight through the darkness of this disease and bring light to it. We find ways to engage with the community and do some fundraising for the cause.

Anything that shines a positive light on this community will always be important to me. The Longest Day is a great day to celebrate those with the disease and those caring for them. This community is often overlooked, and these events help us gain attention.

VITALIA Senior Residences® at Westlake Westlake, OH will be celebrating The Longest Day by doing a building wide, department head pie-in-the-face event! This should be a fun way to have some fun with the whole community and get some extra laughs!

We are always open to volunteers to come into the community. Many family members do spend time with other residents playing games and attending happy hour. It’s always fun seeing others engaged and we would love more of it! We do have a family volunteer starting yoga shortly. Please reach out if you’d like to join us.

Let’s join as communities throughout this month to honor, love, and support not only those living with dementia, but their families as well. If your life is personally touched by this disease, we are here for you.