June is Alzheimer’s and brain awareness month. You may be seeing ads on TV or in the paper talking about the longest day. June 21 is the day of the year with the longest amount of daylight- the summer solstice. It is a day when the Alzheimer’s organization hopes that people with consider donating to research and services for people living with Alzheimer’s and dementia. It’s a great opportunity to wear purple to show support and fundraise in any way you can think of to generate donations to the Alzheimer’s association nearest to you.

There is a book titled, “The 36-Hour Day” authored by Nancy Mace and Peter Rabins (Mace, Rabins, 2011). This book provides a guide to people who are caring for people with Alzheimer’s and dementias. There are many resources for people living with Alzheimer’s and dementias. NY Connects, the Office for Aging and the Western New York Alzheimer’s Association are all available to provide you with information about programs and services designed to assist you and your loved ones. Alzheimer’s disease affects someone every 65 seconds. There are more than 5 million people in the USA dealing with this, and there is help.

Even if you aren’t one of the affected, keeping your brain engaged, remaining social in your community, following a lifestyle with a diet along with exercise can help you. Talk to your doctor about screening every year. Stay healthy as best you can. That can mean changing just one small thing in your diet or adding a walk or chair exercises. Call NY Connects to ask about programs, classes and services that can help you or a loved one. There are opportunities to work with our Alzheimer’s Association, join a support group or initiate services to help you. The important thing is to remember there is hope. Having the longest day of the year as a reminder to join the cause and find help to live your life to its fullest.

We started a campaign here in Chautauqua County to become dementia friendly and we continue to ask this community to join the hundreds that have already taken the online training. It’s easy- takes about 7-10 minutes and is onlineat Dementiafriendsusa.org Remember you can call NY Connects for information and assistance.

NY Connects is the place to call to get connected with the help you need. It is confidential and free and focused on your needs. You can reach the NY Connects Helpline at 753-4582, 363-4582 or 661-7582 or e-mail us at CCNYC@co.chautauqua.ny.us.

If you are in Mayville please stop and talk with one of our operators. We are located in the HRC Building at the county government offices in Mayville, New York. NY Connects is brought to you by the Chautauqua County Office for the Aging and the Chautauqua County Department of Health and Human Services.