COLUMBUS, OH — The Alzheimer’s Association Central Ohio Chapter will host a special luminary lighting to illuminate the longest night of the year, the winter solstice, in honor of those impacted by Alzheimer’s and other dementias.
The Winter Solstice Virtual Luminary Lighting event will take place from 6-6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 21, on Zoom.
Participants are asked to bring their own luminary or light of hope to the event, which marks the halfway point to the Alzheimer’s Association’s The Longest Day® fundraising event on the summer solstice in June.
This special event is particularly timely as the COVID-19 pandemic continues. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), excess mortality — the difference between the observed number of deaths and the expected number of deaths during a given time period — due to all causes was very high in 2020 compared to previous years, especially among older adults, as reported in the Alzheimer’s Association 2021 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures. Many of those excess deaths were in vulnerable older adults with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Preliminary CDC reports indicate that there were at least 42,000 more deaths nationwide from Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias in 2020 compared with the average of the five years preceding 2020.
Throughout the pandemic, the Alzheimer’s Association has called for long-term care policy recommendations, including the need for rapid-turnaround testing and prioritization testing to end social isolation.
The Alzheimer’s Association offers a wide array of education programs, support groups, care consultations and social engagement programs. It also is accessible via its 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900. Events such as the Luminary Lighting Event provide a chance to reflect for those affected by Alzheimer’s.
“We’ll gather via Zoom to hear from a few friends and shine a light in honor of all those impacted by Alzheimer’s and all other dementia,” said Jill Grosenheider-Rudd, Alzheimer’s Association Central Ohio Chapter development director. “Bring your own luminary or light of hope as we join together to outshine the darkness.”
Register for the event by visiting www.tinyurl.com/wintersolstice21.
About the Alzheimer’s Association®
The Alzheimer’s Association is a worldwide voluntary health organization dedicated to Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Our mission is to lead the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s and all other dementia®. Visit alz.org or call 800.272.3900.
