This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2015, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

Over 29,000 Utahns have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. One hundred and forty-two thousand caregivers are providing over 162 Million hours of unpaid care, at a value of nearly $2 Billion.

The dedication and hard work of these caregivers, and the challenges those living with Alzheimer's face will be of primary focus during the month of June.

"Alzheimer's disease is the only leading cause of death that cannot be prevented, cured or even slowed," says Ronnie Daniel, Executive Director of the Utah Chapter. "During the month of June the Alzheimer's Association is asking people in Utah to wear purple and use their brains to fight Alzheimer's."

Now in its second year, 'Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month' provides the nation with an opportunity to join the global conversation about the brain.

It's imperative since 47 million people are living worldwide with Alzheimer's and other dementias, and without a change, that figure is expected to increase to 76 million by 2030, and then almost triple to 135.5 million by 2050.

Who's at risk? Anyone with a brain, which makes the month of June, the information to be shared, and the lessons to be learned, significant for all.

"It's a way for people to start a conversation about Alzheimer's disease, the brain, and healthy habits people can adopt that may reduce the risk of dementia," Director of Communications for the Alzheimer's Association, Utah Chapter, Melissa Lee said. "Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month is only in its second year, but so far the response has been huge," she said.

The month's feature event will be held on the summer solstice, which aptly provides the event's name – 'The Longest Day'. It gives Utahns an opportunity to honor a loved one or someone they know facing Alzheimer's disease, including caregivers.

More significantly, this fundraiser increases the ability of the Utah Chapter to provide local support services and assistance where it's most needed, including research, educational presentations and the 24/7 helpline which assists almost 2,000 people annually with queries ranging from how to handle behaviors, difficult situations they experience with their loved ones, to crisis situations.

'The Longest Day' is also a time for camaraderie and fun, as Lee explains.

"Grab your friends, register online, choose an activity you love, raise money and plan your day," she said. "Each person that registers receives a kit that includes a t-shirt, tips for raising money, suggested activities and a celebration package."

Some popular activities include hiking, walking, biking, playing soccer, touch football, any of those things, but it can also be something artistic like scrapbooking, or knitting.

"The options are limitless; you can do anything you want," Lee said. "We suggest each team member raise $100 each, or $1,000 for a team of 10."

Participants often utilize sponsors such as neighbors, friends and colleagues help to raise the money. Last year's event raised $2 Million nationally, a significant portion of which will be used to fund research toward finding a cure.

Registration for 'The Longest Day' in Utah is currently open. To find out how you can participate, and to register your team, please visit: http://www.alz.org/thelongestday.