Nebraska Alzheimer’s Association raises money and awareness on longest day of the year

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — Wednesday is the first day of summer and also a day to shine a light on Alzheimer’s.

The Alzheimer’s Association marks the summer solstice as a day of awareness for those who suffer from the disease and their caregivers.

“Thousands of people across the country and even globally are coming together to raise awareness and raise funds,” said Nick Faustman, the director of public policy at the Nebraska Alzheimer’s Association. 

The longest day of the year is also a good time to reflect on one of the disease’s symptoms: sundowning, a pattern of increased confusion and agitation.

It usually occurs in the late afternoon or evening hours when the sun goes down.

But the longest day is also about bringing light.

On this day, millions of participants raise awareness by holding their own fundraising activities or events. 

In Lincoln, Fallbrook Assisted Living and Memory Care hosted The Longest Day Grill Out.

“It’s a good day to remember what people with Alzheimer’s have to go through the whole day,” said Andrea Larkins, the life enrichment director.

All the money raised Wednesday will go to the Nebraska’s Alzheimer’s Association.