For many of us, the first day of summer is something worth celebrating. For some it marks the beginning of a favorite season while others just enjoy a little more daylight during the longest day of the year. But for those who have firsthand experience with Alzheimer’s disease, the first day of summer has another significance: it’s “The Longest Day,” an international awareness effort to raise funds for the care, support and research of Alzheimer’s disease.

The annual observance is organized by the Alzheimer’s Association on the first day of summer, or the summer solstice, which is also known for having the most hours of daylight. While it is literally “the longest day” of the year, the official campaign name is also a nod to the shared experience of Alzheimer’s patients and their caregivers that “every day feels like the longest day.”

In Colorado, Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth leading cause of death, currently affecting more than 70,000 people over 65 years old. By 2025, that number is expected to jump to 92,000—a 30 percent increase. Although it is most often associated with dementia, a general term for memory loss and cognitive decline, Alzheimer’s disease is an irreversible, progressive disorder impacting thinking, behavior and mood.

Over time, these changes interfere with an individual’s ability to perform daily tasks or care for themselves, making research for treatment and prevention a top priority. While The Longest Day, observed on June 21 this year, is now behind us, the long journey to finding a cure is still ahead.

In solidarity with the members of our community coping with memory loss, our team at Jackson Creek Senior Living is participating in the 2019 Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Colorado Springs on September 21. We’re rallying our team and collecting donations now to benefit the Alzheimer’s Association in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease. We hope you’ll join us this year in representing our community for such a meaningful cause.