UK Goes Purple to Support Alzheimer's Awareness Month

LEXINGTON, Ky (Nov. 15, 2016) — To celebrate the lives of those affected by Alzheimer's disease and to honor their caregivers, a purple light will glow at 13 locations on the University of Kentucky campus beginning Tuesday, Nov. 15.  "Going Purple" will continue through Friday, Nov. 18.

The promotion is a joint effort of the Sanders-Brown Center on Aging (SBCoA) and Elder Care at UK to promote Alzheimer's Awareness Month. Memorial Hall, Gatton College, Main Administration Building, W.T. Young Library and all the residence halls will be lit.

"We are thrilled that UK is bringing attention to Alzheimer's disease and dementia by turning the campus purple this week," said Donna Wilcock, PhD, an associate professor at Sanders-Brown. "Sanders-Brown literally leads the world in Alzheimer's and dementia research, and so it's fitting that we should also lead the way in awareness." 

In conjunction with Alzheimer's Awareness Month and "Going Purple," UK Elder Care also will host a Senior Resource Fair on Friday, Nov. 18, with more than 40 exhibitors providing information on in-home care, senior housing and other services for the elderly. 

Sanders-Brown conducts innovative brain research and translates findings into interventions to benefit older adults. The center also helps to promote healthy brain aging through research, education and clinical programs.

UK Elder Care provides support to university families caring for an elderly loved one, including identifying elder care needs, personal referrals to community services and sharing information on caring for older family members.