Alzheimer’s Association events honor caregivers

People who take care of forgetful people have the longest day every day. The Alzheimer’s Association honors caregivers near the first day of summer — the longest day of the year — with a national event called The Longest Day.

The goal of the national observance is to raise public awareness of the 10 warning signs of Alzheimer’s and to encourage healthy lifestyles.

There will be multiple events throughout Hawaii Island as part of The Longest Day:

• Balancing Monkey Yoga, 9 a.m. June 8, 1221 Kilauea Ave., Hilo.

• Ultimate Frisbee, 5 p.m. June 12, Bayfront soccer fields, Hilo.

• Bridge-athon, 12:30 p.m. June 13, 68-1792 Melia St., Waikoloa.

• Dance-abration, 6:30 p.m. June 18, Hilo Elks Lodge, 150 Kinoole St., Hilo.

• Bridge-athon, 1 p.m. June 20, 74966 Kealakaa St., Kailua-Kona

• Pump-athon, 9 a.m. June 21, Life Care Center of Hilo, 944 W. Kawailani St., Hilo.

• Bridge-athon, 12:30 p.m. June 26, Eagles Club, Keaau.

For more information about the Big Island events or The Longest Day, call Chris Ridley at 443-7360 or visit http://act.alz.org/site/TR?fr_id=8480&pg=entry.

Warning signs

The 10 early signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s:

1. Memory loss that disrupts daily life.

2. Challenges in planning or solving problems.

3. Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, at work or at leisure.

4. Confusion with time or place.

5. Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships.

6. New problems with words in speaking or writing.

7. Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps.

8. Decreased or poor judgment.

9. Withdrawal from work or social activities.

10. Changes in mood and personality.