🧠 Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month – June
Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month
June is recognized as Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, support those affected, and promote the importance of brain health.
This month is also an opportunity to honor the millions of people living with Alzheimer’s and to show support for caregivers, researchers, and advocates working toward a cure.
Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s is a progressive brain disorder that affects memory, thinking, and behavior. It is the most common form of dementia, accounting for 60 to 80 percent of cases.
Key facts:
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More than 6 million Americans are currently living with Alzheimer’s.
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One in three seniors dies with Alzheimer’s or another dementia.
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Women and individuals in Black and Hispanic communities face a higher risk.
Source: Alzheimer’s Association – Facts & Figures
Why June?
June was chosen to align with the summer solstice, the longest day of the year. The month symbolizes the long and difficult journey that individuals and families face when coping with Alzheimer’s disease.
The color purple is associated with the campaign and represents courage and support for those living with the disease.
The Longest Day – June 21
Held on the summer solstice, The Longest Day is a global fundraising event organized by the Alzheimer’s Association. Supporters are encouraged to participate in an activity they love—whether walking, painting, baking, or gardening—from sunrise to sunset to honor those facing Alzheimer’s.
More information: The Longest Day - Outshine the Darkness of Alzheimer's
Tips for Brain Health
While there is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s, research suggests that certain lifestyle choices can help reduce risk and support cognitive health:
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Stay physically active – Exercise supports brain function and memory.
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Eat a balanced diet – The Mediterranean or MIND diet may reduce dementia risk.
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Stay mentally engaged – Read, do puzzles, or learn new skills.
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Stay socially connected – Isolation can increase cognitive decline.
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Manage chronic conditions – Proper care of hypertension, diabetes, and depression is essential.
Sources: CDC, National Institute on Aging
How You Can Help
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Wear purple throughout June to raise awareness.
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Donate or fundraise to support research and care programs.
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Share information with friends, family, and your community.
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Volunteer your time or participate in a local awareness event.
By coming together this month, we can support those impacted by Alzheimer’s and work toward a future without dementia.
Resources
Tribal Wellness Services:
Diabetes Prevention & Management
In an effort to combat the growing epidemic of diabetes in American Indian and Alaska Native communities, the Samish Indian Nation Diabetes Program provides a variety of services to help delay or prevent a diabetes diagnosis while also reducing the risk of complications. These services are designed to educate tribal citizens on the risk factors of diabetes while encouraging prevention and management, physical fitness, nutrition, foot care, and vision care.
Eligibility Requirements:
You must be an enrolled Samish tribal citizen.
You must reside in our 12-County Service Area (Clallam, Island, Jefferson, King, Kitsap, Mason, Pierce, San Juan, Skagit, Snohomish, Thurston, or Whatcom County)
Diabetes Application Packet
Note: Physical signature is required on HIPAA form. Return completed forms by:
Mail:
Samish Indian Nation
PO BOX 217
Anacortes, WA 98221
ATTN: Olivia Duvall
Or scan completed form to diabetes@samishtribe.nsn.us.
If you would like us to send you an application with paid return postage, please reach out to diabetes@samishtribe.nsn.us.
Services We Currently Offer:
Monthly Diabetes Educational Information:
Informational flyers regarding how you can prevent and manage your diabetes will be posted each month.
Diabetes Care Incentive Program:
This initiative is designed to support and encourage citizens in managing their diabetes and health while recognizing their dedication to wellness. Eligible participants may receive incentives per completed activity. Qualifying activities include:
- Eye Exam (once per year)
- Dental Cleaning / Exam (twice per year)
- Foot Exam (once per year)
- A1C Test (twice per year)
To utilize this program, you must be enrolled in the diabetes program.
To receive the incentive, you can submit this form: Diabetes Care Incentive Program Verification Form or provide other proof of appointment such as a visit summary or EOB.
Email forms to diabetes@samishtribe.nsn.us.
Open to All Samish Citizens in Our Service Area:
Samish Fitness Challenges:
Spring Fitness Challenge 8 Weeks: March 30th - May 24th. REGISTRATION CLOSED.
Fall Fitness Challenge 8 Weeks: October 6th - November 29th REGISTRATION DUE OCTOBER 1ST.
Extra Activity Logs: Activity Logs
Click Here to Submit Digitally: Digital Activity Log Submission
Send Registrations & Activity Logs to: wellness@samishtribe.nsn.us.
By Mail:
Samish Indian Nation
PO BOX 217
Anacortes, WA 98221
ATTN: Olivia Duvall
If you have any questions, please reach out to us at wellness@samishtribe.nsn.us.
SKAGIT COUNTY RESIDENTS:
Farm to Table Program: NO INCOME LIMIT
We will be introducing a bi-weekly food box pick up at our cannery campus in the atrium. This partnership with the Puget Sound Food Hub Farmers' Cooperative will bring fresh food from our local farmers around the Puget Sound.
Sign-ups for this service is required: Farm to Table Sign Up Sheet