The local branch of the Alzheimer’s Society is urging area residents to go blue.
Saturday marks World Alzheimer’s Day and spokesperson Joel Emery says the goal is to raise awareness about a disease that affects thousands in our community.
“The prevalence of dementia is increasing ever year. The Alzheimer Society of Canada says more than 500,000 Canadians are living with dementia. That number will double in the next 15 years. Locally in Chatham-Kent there are more than 3,500 diagnosed with dementia,” says Emery. “Go ahead and change your cover or profile picture on social media, or just the colour blue. Awareness is a powerful tool and we all have that in our pocket.”
The Alzheimer’s Society is encouraging everyone to wear blue and use the hashtag #GoBlueforAlz on Friday to help spread the message.
All funds raised through events like the GoBlue campaign, the society’s Coffee Break fundraiser, and the annual Walk for Alzheimer’s helps to fund local programs and services.