Wear Purple, the Color of Alzheimer S Awareness and Tell Others Why

Greater Idaho Chapter 6126 W. State Street, Suite 305 Office: 208-206-0041 24/7 Helpline: 1-800-272-3900

For Immediate Release Contact: MacKenzie Rodgers, Executive Director

Take Action During World Alzheimer’s Month

September is World Alzheimer's Month, and purple is the signature color of the Alzheimer's Association. This special month signifies a time to spread awareness and shine a purple light for the 5.2 million people nationally afflicted with Alzheimer's. As the number of Americans with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias will grow with the increase of the U.S. population age 65 and older, so will the need for awareness, support and research.

In Idaho, 26,000 people aged 65 and older have Alzheimer’s, and that number is expected to grow to 38,000 by 2025. On September 21, designated 2013 World Alzheimer’s Day, the Alzheimer’s Association invites the community to “go purple” to promote awareness of this debilitating disease and show support for those who have Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia as well as their families. Community members are encouraged to show support by taking action in one of these ways:

 Wear purple, the color of Alzheimer’s awareness — and tell others why.

 Turn your Facebook profile picture purple.

 Sign up to be an Alzheimer’s Association advocate and speak with elected officials about the disease.

 Sign up for Walk to End Alzheimer’s For more information, contact the Alzheimer’s Association Greater Idaho Chapter at 208-206- 0041 or visit alz.org/idaho. This Alzheimer’s Association chapter serves all of Idaho, with its administrative office located in Boise, Idaho.

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