Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder that destroys memory and thinking skills and eventually makes it difficult for a person suffering from it to do much at all.

For those with loved one’s suffering from Alzheimer’s, it can be a real struggle, watching a person you care deeply about slowly losing their ability to do the things they love or to remember even the simplest details.

At some point, scientists may find a cure for Alzheimer’s. Until then, there’s plenty you can do to help.

November is Alzheimer’s Awareness & Family Caregivers Month and has been since 1983, when President Ronald Reagan made the designation. Many locations are doing their part this month to help spread awareness of the disease, which now affects as many as 5.1 million Americans.

The University of Kentucky has had a purple light glowing at 13 locations around campus this week. Purple is the color of Alzheimer’s Awareness Month.

The Alzheimer’s Association website has lots of information about the disease, including how to help friends and family that might be suffering from it.

It also has information about how to make a donation, which helps support research and support programs. We encourage you to check it out and see if you can find a way to help the effort.