Alzheimers Foundation Of America To Light The World In Teal For Alzheimers Awareness On November 4
More than 375 Sites Across the Country and Around the World Already Signed Up to Go Teal to Raise Awareness and Show Support
On November 4, sites in all 50 states and around the world will light up in teal for Alzheimers awareness as part of the Alzheimers Foundation of Americas Light the World in Teal campaign. More than 375 sites throughout the United States and 11 other countries have already signed up to go tealfrom skyscrapers and stadiums in major cities to small town halls.
Light the World in Teal is an annual program held in November as part of Alzheimers Awareness Month. People and places around the world go teal to raise awareness and show support for the millions of people affected by Alzheimers. Teal is AFAs Alzheimers awareness color.
Light the World in Teal is a tremendous initiative that demonstrates unity around the world in the battle against Alzheimers disease, said Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr., AFAs President & CEO. We are grateful to every site that is helping to shine a spotlight on Alzheimers disease through this program. We invite other sites, as well as individuals, to join the more than 350 landmarks that are going teal on November 4.
Families looking for additional information about Alzheimers disease or support services can contact AFAs Helpline at 866-232-8484 or visit www.alzfdn.org.
A Meaningful Symbol: The Forget
With its small blue petals, yellow center, and representative name, the forget-me-not flower has become a familiar symbol for Alzheimers disease and other forms of dementia. Forget-me-not flower pins and stickers are worn both by people with dementia and by those who want to raise awareness of the condition.
The Alzheimers Society sells a variety of forget-me-not themed merchandise in their online store, with 100% of proceeds going toward the fight against dementia.
Growing your own patch of forget-me-nots is a thoughtful way to honor a loved one with dementia. Packs of forget-me-not seeds are available for purchase online or from your local greenhouse.
From crochet patterns to personalized forget-me-not tattoos honoring loved ones, this well-known flower has become a powerful icon.
Alzheimers Awareness: Why It Matters And What You Need To Know
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No matter where you live, Alzheimers matters. According to the Alzheimers Association, the disease is considered a global epidemic with 55 million people in the world living with dementia. And that number is projected to reach 78 million by 2030.
More than 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimers, with over 11 million family and friends providing care for those with dementia in the U.S.
and its a great opportunity to learn more about the impacts, symptoms and steps you can take to educate yourself and help others.
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Inclusion And Exclusion Criteria
Patient inclusion criteria were as follows: major or minor neurocognitive disorder according to DSM-V criteria diagnosis of AD and MCI based on the international criteria .
Patient exclusion criteria were: current or previous neurological, psychiatric and systemic diseases alcoholism or other substance abuse history of color blindness or a history of diseases with a significant impact on color vision use of neuroleptics or other antipsychotics and tricyclic antidepressants considering their possible negative effects on cognition evidence of visual agnosia, hemispatial neglect, relevant apraxia or relevant verbal comprehension deficits on neurological examination.
A group of controls, matched for age, sex, and education, was selected. These subjects did not have any past or present neurological, psychiatric or general diseases, alcoholism or other substance abuse, history of color blindness or diseases with a significant impact on color vision. They were selected mainly from the relatives of the patients. Caregivers of patients were excluded considering a possible interference of anxiety and depression.
All patients and controls gave their informed consent to the study according to the Declaration of Helsinki.
Color Theory And Dementia
For people living with Alzheimers disease and related dementias , the world around them significantly impacts how they engage, react, and enjoy life. Caregivers often seek supportive tips and tricks for behavior management, but what if I told you that you can modify and even prevent behaviors associated with dementia by using color? Let me explain.
Many studies have been conducted on light as well as color with varying results. However, most experts agree that the use of colors, especially for someone living with dementia, can help in improving their quality of life.
Red is a bold color that can elicit certain behaviors when used in the right way. Research indicates that red increases the perceived temperature of a room. For example, if a person is often cold when the air temperature is already warm to others, try warming the room with red blankets or pillows. When painted on walls, red can make a very large space appear smaller, and if the colored is painted above eye level it may encourage someone to leave that space. Lastly, red can stimulate an appetite for a someone living with dementia. Is your loved one not eating enough? Try serving dinner from a red plate. Studies have shown that serving meals on red plates can increase appetite by as much as 33% in person with ADRD.
For more tips and insight into color and dementia care, please reach out to Joshua Freitas at .
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Alzheimer Care Home Recognizes Alzheimers Awareness Month
Our Alzheimer care home recognizes November as Alzheimers Awareness Month a time to heighten awareness about Alzheimers disease and show support for the more than 6.2 million Americans living with it, and their caregivers who live around it. Clover Care Home in Kansas City knows not a lot of Alzheimer care home offer services for people with Alzheimers and dementia, but we do!
November is Alzheimers Awareness Month, this month over 800 structures around the world will go teal to raise awareness and show support for the millions of people affected by Alzheimers. Teal is the Alzheimers Awareness Color of the Alzheimers Foundation of America . AFA chooses to use teal because it has been shown in color psychology studies to be a calming color. According to the World Health Organization , roughly 50 million people worldwide live with Alzheimers disease and other types of dementia. Its important to our Alzheimer care home to raise awareness and spread knowledge.
Early Signs And Symptoms Of Alzheimers Disease
1. Memory loss that disrupts daily life vs age-related change
Forgetting recently learned information, asking the same questions repeatedly and forgetting important dates and events can be common signs of Alzheimers.
An age-related example might be forgetting a name or appointment but remembering later.
2. Challenges in planning or solving problems vs age-related change
It may become more difficult to develop or follow a plan, work with numbers or maintain concentration.
An age-related example might be making occasional errors when managing finances or bills.
3. Difficulty completing familiar tasks vs age-related change
Alzheimers awareness can include noticing daily tasks becoming harder, such as experiencing problems driving to a familiar location or creating a grocery list.
An age-related example might be occasionally needing help with technology settings.
4. Confusion with time or place vs age-related change
Tracking dates, seasons and the passage of time can become more difficult, including individuals forgetting where they are and how they got there.
An age-related example might be becoming confused about the day of the week but figuring it out later.
5. Trouble with visual images and spatial relationships vs age-related change
Alzheimers awareness might include noticing vision problems, difficulty with balance, reading, judging distance or determining color or contrast.
An age-related example might be developing vision challenges due to cataracts.
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Where Does Alzheimers And Brain Awareness Month Come From
Dementia is a set of symptoms affecting memory and cognitive function. Alzheimers disease is a specific progressive disorder impacting the same areas. Alzheimers is the most common cause of dementia, and around half the people with dementia have Alzheimersits estimated to affect more than 25 million people around the world.
The first monthlong observance around the topic in the US began in 1983 as Alzheimers Disease Awareness Month. Its sometimes called Alzheimers Awareness Month. Alzheimers Awareness Month continues, but Alzheimers and Brain Awareness Month is more popularly observed.
World Alzheimers Day was first celebrated on September 21, 1994, and the observance of the day led to September being designated as World Alzheimers Month.
What are other words used in discussion of Alzheimers and Brain Awareness Month?
What Is The Lscher Color Test
The Lüscher color test is a psychological test invented by Max Lüscher, A Swiss psychotherapist. The primary objective of this test is to determine a persons psychophysical state based on his or her color preferences.
Whats interesting about this test is you can take it yourself from the comfort of your home. You dont need to visit a therapist. Psycho-tests offers a free Lüscher color test for caregivers and their care recipients.
Heres what you need to know before you take the test.
Once you are done with the test, the algorithm will provide you with an instant result. I recommend both the caregiver and the care recipient take this test. Caregivers need to be aware of their mental and emotional states as well.
I took the test a few times and found the results to be fairly accurate. Also, note that the Lüscher color test is a scientifically proven technique to determine ones psychological state it is not a pseudoscience.
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Meaningful Ways To Participate In Alzheimers & Brain Awareness Month
While most fundraising will take place on The Longest Day, there are several simple ways to participate in raising awareness for Alzheimers disease and dementia throughout the month. From simply wearing purple to hosting a fundraiser, everyone can do something to make a positive impact in the fight against Alzheimers this month.
Here are 13 ideas to get you started:
Why Do People Wear A Forget
Anyone can wear our blue forget-me-not pin badge to show their support for Alzheimers Society. Many organisations have flowers, ribbons and other symbols to represent their charity.
A person might wear a forget-me-not badge because a family member or loved one has dementia, or they want to help raise awareness.
Its best not to make assumptions about why someone might be wearing the pin.
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What Does The Blue Flower Badge Represent
The flower is a forget-me-not, a small blue flower that represents remembrance and is long-associated with dementia.
People with dementia may experience memory loss, among other symptoms. This makes the forget-me-not the perfect flower to represent our cause.
The blue flower pin is a symbol for anyone who wants to unite against dementia, raise awareness and support people affected by the condition.
There are a few different versions of the forget-me-not badge. We have a few available in our shop. 100 per cent of our shop profits go towards helping fight dementia.
Three examples of forget-me-not pin badges
Light The World In Teal For Alzheimers Awareness Month
Tonight, buildings across the world, including all 50 states, will go teal as part of the Alzheimers Foundation of Americas 8th annual Light the World in Teal campaign. They will be illuminated in teal, AFAs Alzheimers awareness color, to raise Alzheimers awareness and show support for the millions of people affected by Alzheimers disease.
If buildings in your area have not yet signed up to participate, it is not too late to join us in the battle against Alzheimers by going teal. A current list of participating structures can be found here.
We are grateful to all of these popular landmarks for joining us in raising Alzheimers awareness, said Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr., AFAs President & CEO. It is an important time to recognize all those families impacted by Alzheimers disease, the caregivers, medical professionals, researchers, and all our supporters who stand united in the battle against Alzheimers disease.
Individuals can also participate in Light the World in Teal by wearing teal or turning their porch lights teal. You can also use social media by turning your profile picture or cover photo teal or sharing graphics in the color. Use the hashtag #AFALightTheWorldInTeal to help raise Alzheimers awareness.
To learn more about Light the World in Teal please visit www.lighttheworldinteal.com.
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Beyond Symbols: Support For Caregivers
When caring for a loved one with dementia, its important to stay aware of your own mental and physical health. Learn more about support options through these resources:
- Understand the symptoms of caregiver burnout to know when to seek help.
- Learn more about the 7 stages of dementia to prepare for your loved ones future.
- Join a caregiver support group to find others in a similar situation.
- Learn more about hiring part-time or permanent in-home help so you have time to relax and recharge while remaining close to your loved one.
- Talk to one of our free, expert Senior Living Advisors about respite or memory care options that may be right for you.
What Are Basic And Auxiliary Colors
The basic colors are solid colors such as blue, red, yellow, and green. When you mix two or more basic colors, you get auxiliary colors such as violet, brown, gray, black, etc. Sometimes auxiliary colors are also denoted as red-orange, yellow-orange, yellow-green, blue-violet, etc.
According to the Italian study , Dementia-affected individuals lean more towards auxiliary colors. They like it when two solid colors are mixed together.
It is safe to assume that all auxiliary colors are Dementia-friendly. You can give the care recipient a set of auxiliary colors to choose from. Pick the ones they really like, and use those colors in your home.
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Look Who Is Going Purple
Tony BennettBrandee Evans, actorMichael Chiklis, actorAutumn Chiklis, actorZack Ward, actorMontana Tucker, singerLaurie Hernandez, professional gymnastYvette Nicole Brown, actorOscar NunezKimberly Williams-Paisley, actorJeff Henderson, Olympic gold medalist, track and fieldRita Wilson, actor Madison Cowan, celebrity chefDavid Hyde Pierce, actor
White Flowers A Symbol Of Hope For Alzheimers Disease
For years the primary colors at the annual Walk to End Alzheimers have been purple t-shirts, and orange, blue, yellow and purple flowers. At the end of the walk, these flowers are planted in a Promise Garden, the promise being the end of Alzheimers.
Now a new color has appeared: White, to represent the hope for a cure.
All the colors are symbolic. The American Alzheimers Association, based in Chicago, Illinois, chose purple as our signature color, combining the calm stability of blue and the passionate energy of red. Purple makes a statement about our Association and our supporters: we are strong and unrelenting in the fight against Alzheimers disease.
Carrying a purple flower means you lost someone to Alzheimers.
Carrying a yellow flower means you are a caregiver to someone with Alzheimers or dementia.
Carrying a blue flower means you are living with Alzheimers.
Carrying an orange flower means you support the Alzheimers Association.
The white flowers were introduced last year, when news was positive that there might be ways to prevent or slow the disease. It is expected that this year, more and more marchers will be carrying white flowers.
Let it be clear, as one Alzheimers walk organizer said, that having Alzheimers is not forgetting where you put your car keys, or what you were supposed to do this afternoon. Having Alzheimers is forgetting what a car is, or what its used for.
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Alzheimers Awareness Month: How You Can Get Involved
There is a wide selection of steps you can take to get involved and bring Alzheimers awareness to others. The Alzheimers Association is a great place to learn more.
Consider these suggestions to join your voice in fighting this disease during June:
1. Wear purple
Purple is the official color of the Alzheimers movement. If purple is not in your color palette, go shopping at the Alzheimers Associations on-line store for T-shirts, vests, socks, tote bags and yard flags.
2. Help turn social media purple
Consider changing your Facebook profile picture to help raise awareness among your friends. You can also share photos on your Instagram or Twitter accounts using the hashtags #ENDALZ or #EndAlzheimers.
3. Dont forget June 21st
On June 21st, the summer solstice and longest day of the year, join people from across the world in fighting the darkness of Alzheimers. Find ideas and tips to create a fundraising activity here.
Light The World In Teal
More than 800 structures around the world will go teal this year to raise awareness and show support for the millions of people affected by Alzheimers.
If you have access to an office building, campus, monument, or even your house, you can be a part of lighting the world in teal! You can still wear teal and update your social media cover photo to help raise awareness!
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Take Care Of Your Brain
Part of the research ofthis disease centers on prevention. While there is not a clear answer about ifit can be prevented, there are some factors to consider.
It seems the disease hassome connection to risk factors like age, genetics, environment, lifestyle andcoexisting medical conditions. There are some studies that show a realconnection between head trauma and the later development of Alzheimers.
The connection betweenAlzheimers and other medical issues is also a factor. Patients withcardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol,show a higher rate of Alzheimers.
As part of BrainAwareness Month, people learn about things they can do to keep their brainhealthy and reduce the risk of these brain diseases.
There seems to be goodevidence to show that a healthy diet and exercise help the brain. Certainly,they help your cardiovascular system, so it makes sense that healthy eating andregular exercise will offer benefits to prevention.
Many studies show the value in working your brain intellectually. Having a mentally active brain andmaintaining social connections offers real benefits for prevention too.