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Florida Historic Capitol Glows Purple For Alzheimer's Awareness Month

Facebook page of Alzheimer's Association, Central & North Florida Chapter

The Historic Old Capitol glowed a bright purple Tuesday in honor of Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month.

June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, and Michelle Branham with the Alzheimer’s Association says there’s a purpose behind casting the purple light on Florida’s Old Capitol building.

“We were whispering the words, and we weren’t really speaking it in a loud voice so that we could have the conversations that we need to have on a legislative level, a cultural level, and a state level that will help us one day, it’s the mission of our organization, to not only treat Alzheimer’s it’s to end it. And, I think going purple begs us to have these conversations,” said Branham.

In addition to raising awareness about the disease that’s the sixth leading cause of death in the U.S., reducing the risk of having Alzheimer’s is also emphasized.

“By staying mentally active, physically active, certainly eating heart-healthy diet, you know, exercising…so, I think it’s a lifestyle choice that they have seen may reduce the risk of cognitive decline, and I think that’s a very important piece of research that’s come out,” added Branham.

Branham also urges Floridians to wear purple this Sunday as part of a fundraising event called the "Longest Day" that spotlights the tough journey of those living with the disease and their caregivers.

For more news updates, follow Sascha Cordner on Twitter: @SaschaCordner.

Sascha Cordner has more than ten years of public radio experience. It includes working at NPR member station WUFT-FM in Gainesville for several years. She's worked in both radio and TV, serving in various capacities as a reporter, producer and anchor. She's also a graduate of the University of Florida with a bachelor's degree in telecommunications. She is the recipient of 15 awards from the Associated Press, Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ), and Edward R. Murrow. Her award-winning stories include her coverage on the infamous “Dozier School for Boys” and a feature titled "Male Breast Cancer: Lost in the Sea of Pink." Currently, Sascha serves as the host and producer of local and state news content for the afternoon news program "All Things Considered" at WFSU. Sascha primarily covers criminal justice and social services issues. When she's not reporting, Sascha likes catching up on her favorite TV shows, singing and reading. Follow Sascha Cordner on Twitter:@SaschaCordner.