Which is worse; to have a sound mind and a deteriorating body or a functioning physical body paired with a decaying mind?

Speaking for myself, I would rather know who and where I am even if it meant I were wheelchair-bound, for example. Illnesses like Alzheimer’s frighten me more because I couldn’t bear to live the day I wouldn’t even recognize my own husband.

June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month. It’s extremely likely someone you know and love is living with this debilitating disease. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, an estimated 6.2 million Americans are currently living with Alzheimer’s. the most common cause of dementia. Two-thirds of those diagnosed are women. The site goes on to say older black Americans are twice as likely than whites to develop dementia while Hispanics are 1.5 times more likely than whites to do so. 1 in 3 seniors dies with Alzheimer’s or another dementia. It kills more than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined.

Everyone occasionally forgets where they placed their keys or can’t recall their coworker’s name right away. People commonly joke, “I must be getting Alzheimer’s!” If you are concerned for yourself or someone else, early signs of Alzheimer’s can be found here. 

On the Summer Solstice the Alzheimer’s Association’s fundraiser, The Longest Day, encourages Americans to fundraise to fight the darkness of Alzheimer’s through a fundraising activity of their choice. The site gives fun ideas on how anyone can participate.  Here in Hagerstown, Prime Time For Women will be celebrating The Longest Day on June 21 at Mill’s Park with a potluck from 7 pm-9 pm. Donations to the Alzheimer’s Association are encouraged. Mill’s Park is located at  519 Northern Avenue (northern entrance). The southern entrance, where parking is available, is located at 435 Belview Avenue. WEAR PURPLE to show your support.  Chase fireflies! Blow bubbles! Try your skills with a hula hoop! Make memories as you fight the darkness of Alzheimer’s so others may retain memories of their own.