Paint It Purple! is September 18

RAISE AWARENESS OF ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE THROUGH Paint It Purple! SEPTEMBER 18, 2015

The Mississippi Department of Mental Health (DMH), Alzheimer’s Association Mississippi Chapter, and the UMMC MIND Center  have partnered together to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s disease through a statewide Paint It Purple! promotion to be held on Friday, September 18th in honor of Alzheimer’s Action Day.

Mississippians are encouraged to wear purple and display purple ribbons/bows on their homes and offices to show their support for people with Alzheimer’s disease and the loved ones who care for them. People are also encouraged to host a local Paint It Purple! event in their city and/or workplace.

“Paint It Purple! is about increasing awareness of this devastating disease, while encouraging support for people living with Alzheimer’s disease ,” said Kathy Van Cleave, Director of DMH’s Division of Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Dementia. “By opening up the dialogue, we can bring Alzheimer’s the attention it deserves and foster caregiver support. We are doing a lot to encourage awareness, education, and support, but there is so much more that needs to be done.”

“Now is the time to shine a spotlight on the devastating impact of Alzheimer’s disease,” said Denise Lafferty, Chief of Operations of The MIND Center at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. “Alzheimer’s is the only leading cause of death in the top 10 in the United States that cannot be prevented, cured or slowed. …The MIND Center at UMMC is pleased to join the Department of Mental Health Division of Alzheimer’s and the Alzheimer’s Association Mississippi Chapter in highlighting the need for significant investment in federal research dollars, improved clinical care and enhanced caregiver support through Paint it Purple! to help turn the tide of Alzheimer’s and other dementias.”

Patty Dunn, Executive Director of the Alzheimer’s Association Mississippi Chapter states, “This global Alzheimer’s disease epidemic demands an enormous amount of attention.  Paint It Purple!  is an effort to raise awareness and understanding of Alzheimer’s disease.  We encourage everyone to wear purple with a purpose.”

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease include:

  • Memory loss that disrupts daily life
  • Challenges in planning or solving problems
  • Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, at work or at leisure
  • Confusion with time or place
  • Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships
  • New problems with words in speaking or writing
  • Misplacing things or losing the ability to retrace steps
  • Decreased or poor judgment
  • Withdrawal from work or social activities
  • Changes in mood and personality

For more information regarding caregiver support, resources and advocacy efforts, visit www.alz.org/ms or by calling the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline 1.800.272.3900.

Let us know how you chose to Paint It Purple!  Submit your photo to the Division of Alzheimer’s at kathy.vancleave@dmh.state.ms.us.

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