8 Terrific Ideas For World Alzheimer’s Day

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In these days of COVID-19, it’s easy to focus on the pandemic and forget about the other challenges people face on a day-to-day basis. One example is Alzheimer’s disease.

That’s why, as you plan your activities for September, I hope you’ll find ways to honor residents and their caregivers on World Alzheimer’s Day. Initially launched in the UK in 1994, countries all around the world now observe this special day on September 21.

Today I’m sharing eight of my favorite World Alzheimer’s Day activities. By getting involved, you’ll help spread awareness of Alzheimer’s disease. You’ll also support people living with dementia and their caregivers.

1. Wear the color purple

Encourage all of your coworkers to wear purple on September 21 to promote Alzheimer’s awareness. If you want to know why the color purple represents Alzheimer’s disease, check out this excellent article on the Early Onset Alzheimer’s Blog.

2.  Share purple food

I don’t know about your workplace, but food always seems to get people’s attention at the nursing home where I volunteer. You could pass out purple-frosted cookies to all the employees on September 21. Be sure to use this as an opportunity to share information about Alzheimer’s disease via posters, pamphlets, or other media.

Better yet, did you know that many brain-healthy foods naturally come in shades of purple? Grapes, eggplant, cauliflower, potatoes, cabbage, asparagus, plums, carrots, and elderberries are just a few. Show your creativity by making a purple appetizer, entrée, or perhaps even a dessert to share on World Alzheimer’s Day.

3. Support a caregiver

Do you know someone who provides care at home for a person living with dementia? Offer to lend a hand on September 21, so they can get a break. You’ll find lots of suggestions in this article entitled Caring For The Caregiver Nextdoor.

4. Host a guest speaker at your workplace

You can find many local resources that offer speakers on a vast number of topics related to Alzheimer’s disease. These might include the Alzheimer’s Association, hospices, parish nurses, attorneys, or medical facilities.

Survey the staff and find out what they want to learn about Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Possible topics include:

• Basic information about Alzheimer’s disease
• Types of dementia
• Legal and financial planning
• The latest research on Alzheimer’s disease
• Community resources
• How to promote a healthy brain
• Communicating with people living with dementia

If your nursing home can’t host a guest speaker right now because of the pandemic, you can always do the presentation virtually.

5. Sponsor a fundraiser

Raise money for a local group that helps support people living with Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers. Even though social distancing prevents a lot of traditional fundraising events, there are still lots of opportunities for virtual fundraisers. You’ll find several creative ideas in July’s post.

6. Promote memory screening events

Traditionally held at multiple sites around the country, these events help people understand if their memory loss is a normal part of aging or something more serious. This year the Alzheimer’s Foundation will host these screenings online. I hope you’ll share the information with residents’ families and with your staff.

7. Host a poster contest

Your day will be more successful if you get your staff involved with hands-on activities. One idea is to invite your staff to create educational posters with a focus on Alzheimer’s disease. Possible topics include warning signs, statistics, communication tips, or steps to reduce the risk of dementia.

Display the posters in the employee break room or in a public area during the week of September 21. Invite staff to vote for their favorites, then offer prizes donated by local businesses.

8.  Sign up for research studies

Many research studies are looking for participants to help discover ways to prevent, treat, and cure Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Sadly, researchers often need to delay studies because of a lack of volunteers. You can sign up for notifications of future studies by contacting GeneMatch or TrialMatch.

How do you plan to honor World Alzheimer’s Day? Please share your ideas in the comment section.