Erie County Legislator Joe Lorigo recently recognized June as Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month and is calling on all residents in Erie County to learn more about the disease. Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month is dedicated to increasing public awareness and educating the public on the resources available and how individuals can get involved to support the cause.

Alzheimer’s is a progressive brain disease that slowly deteriorates brain cells, affecting one’s reasoning skills and abilities to perform simple tasks. There is currently no cure for the disease, no interventions to prevent Alzheimer’s and it is the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States. More than five million Americans are currently living with the disease.

Western New York Alzheimer’s Association Executive Director Jill Horner said, “We are grateful that Legislators Joe Lorigo, John Mills, Chris Greene and Frank Todaro recognize the importance of taking steps to increase awareness about brain health and the devastating toll that Alzheimer's disease and dementia can take on WNY families. We hope their thoughtful proclamation during Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month will encourage more people to make brain health a priority and seek our services when they have questions about cognitive function or concerns about themselves or a loved one. Dementia care consultants are available 24/7 at 800.272.3900 to answer questions and help you find local resources.”

Legislator Lorigo said, “The month of June is rightfully spent spreading awareness for Alzheimer’s disease—but this is a fight that needs to go on for the remaining 11 months of the year. Spreading awareness is key to coming up with a cure—this disease is not going away, it is progressing. Since 2000, deaths due to Alzheimer’s have increased 146 percent. My prayers and heart goes out to those who have the disease along with their families.”

Click here to register for the 2021 Walk to End Alzheimer’s on September 18^th at the Buffalo Waterfront-Outer Harbor.