The time is now to help knock out Alzheimer's and dementia.  A terrific way to begin is by participating in the Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month.

The purpose is to help raise awareness among the general public, policymakers, health professionals, and industry representatives.  In can be so slight or at record levels, like the news that was announced this week in Florida. Every person and every voice matters.

Florida has once again stepped up at a high level in an effort to meet this dreadful disease head-on.  On Monday, Governor DeSantis highlighted Florida's $51 million 2021-2022 fiscal year commitment toward the advancement of Alzheimer's research.  Florida has over 580,000 residents who are 65 and older living with the Alzheimer's disease; and with the aging population, those numbers will continue to increase dramatically in the coming years.  The sunshine state is answering the call this week in a mighty way investing at a high level in the lives of the older population.

In the southeast, Florida leads the way with a whopping 580,000 citizens living with the disease.  With their significant investment in Alzheimer's Florida isn't just talking about making a difference, they are delivering. The Department of Elder Secretary Richard Prudom said, "Governor DeSantis has ensured Florida is a dementia-caring state."

There is no question that the population is getting older and living longer, so all of us must step up our game to put an end to Alzheimer's.  According to the Alzheimer's Association, there are 47 million people in the world living with Alzheimer's and related dementias.  If things don't change, that number is expected to increase to 76 million by 2030.

June is Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month which gives everyone the opportunity to have a conversation about the brain, Alzheimer's and other dementia's.  What is concerning, we are all at risk to develop Alzheimer's, the only leading cause of death that cannot be prevented, cured or even slowed. 

Here are several ways to get involved and make your voice heard:   

Go Purple:  Decorate your office in purple or put on your favorite purple outfit.  By wearing purple it can make it easier to have a conversation with someone about Alzheimer's.  You can also get a 20% discount when you shop for the cause at alz.org/shop

Honor: Some of your friends, colleagues or family members may be living with Alzheimer's. Recognize and honor them by planning a fundraising event that honors them.

Support: Raise Alzheimer's awareness with a marketing campaign at work in the neighborhood. Learn more at alz.or/partners

Educate: Join Alzheimer's Workplace Alliance to establish your organization or business as a leader in the fight against Alzheimer's.  Learn more at alz.org/awa

Declare: Announce your organization or company's commitment to ending Alzheimer's through media and social network channels.