Sunnybrook supports Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness

Sunnybrook in Fort Madison that provides assisted living for residents hosted and celebrated Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month and Longest Day on Wednesday, June 21.

Executive Director of Sunnybrook Sarah Martin said they decided to do the celebration because they have about 12 residents that are under memory care.

The event was for anyone that was interested in attending. There was residents, families and caregivers dressed in all purple in acknowledgement of the Alzheimer's celebration.

Martin said this is the first time that they have celebrated Longest Day of the year also known as the first day of Summer. But this is not the first time that Sunnybrook has celebrated Alzheimer's Disease Awareness and Caregivers Month.

Martin said since Sunnybrook opened about 10 years ago, they have celebrated Alzheimer's Disease Awareness and Caregivers Month every year at the Burlington Alzheimer's Walk, which will be in October this year.

There was a barbecue lunch for guest and residents. And from sunrise to sunset the group had different activities such as a photo booth area, hula hoop contest, yoga, morning outdoor exercise, bowling, washers and bag tournaments.

Martin said a lot of the residents came to participate in the activities. They even had caregivers who were off work for the day that came to the event.

Martin said the event is to raise awareness and funds for people with Alzheimer's until a cure is found.

"The Longest Day is all about love," Martin said; "a time to honor the strength, passion and endurance of those facing alzheimer's."

The event is a part of the global movement to help end Alzheimer's. The event showed support for Americans with Alzheimer's and their families, who provide their loved ones with support and care.

As stated by the Alzheimer's Association the event is to help encourage people to take the Purple Pledge to support the 47 million people worldwide who are living with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias.

Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia. It's a group of disorders such as memory loss and other cognitive abilities that impairs mental functioning and interferes with daily life.