Nebraska is turning purple in recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15, and Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month.
On June 15, the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge, the Physicians Mutual Building, and the Bridges Trust Building will glow purple in honor of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. The Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge will be lit again on June 22 to mark Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month.
This year, Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month comes at a critical time. For the first time, more than 7 million Americans aged 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s disease, including 35,100 Nebraskans.
Key facts:
• Nebraska had only 27 geriatricians in 2021. A 137% increase is needed by 2050 to meet the growing demand for care.
• In 2024, caregivers in Nebraska provided 63 million hours of unpaid care, valued at $1.5 billion.
• Women face a 1 in 5 lifetime risk of developing Alzheimer’s at age 45. Men face a 1 in 10 risk of developing Alzheimer’s.
That’s why the Alzheimer’s Association (alzfdn.org) has launched the “10 Healthy Habits for Your Brain” campaign to empower people of all ages to take simple, science-backed steps toward cognitive health.
Learn more and take action at alz.org/healthyhabits.