There are many activities and actions -- some big, and some small -- taking place across our state, country and globe today and throughout September, World Alzheimer's Month. Here are a few happenings you'll want to know about, as well as actions Maine people can take close to home! 

• If you tuned in to ABC's "Good Morning America" yesterday, you may have seen the Alzheimer's Association Chief Strategy Officer Angela Geiger interviewed by lifestyle anchor Lara Spencer. Angela joined dozens of purple-clad Alzheimer's Association supporters on a purple carpet in front of the Good Morning America studios in New York City. Our champions distributed "Know the Ten Signs" brochures while visitors posed for photographs holding placards reading, "The End of Alzheimer's Starts with Me™."  These photos were projected on ABC's SuperSign in Times Square.  
• All this week, celebrities have joined Alzheimer's Association champion Meredith Vieira on ABC's "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire," raising awareness and funds for the cause.
• Today, The Wall Street Journal will print our full-page advertisement acknowledging the companies that participate in our Alzheimer's Early Detection Alliance (AEDA) and encouraging others to learn more about making Alzheimer's education a priority in the workplace. 
• Through the efforts of dedicated volunteers and staff across the country, we're turning  prominent buildings purple, hosting educational sessions, recruiting Walk to End Alzheimer's™ participants - making the statement that we will not rest until we've achieved our vision of a world without Alzheimer's.
• As part of World Alzheimer's Month, the Centers for Disease Control will highlight Alzheimer's as a featured topic on the agency's website home page as well as through a special link at http://www.cdc.gov/Features/WorldAlzheimersDay/.
• Earlier this week, the United Nations Summit on Non-Communicable Diseases adopted a declaration that includes Alzheimer's as a major disease area, recognizing the incredible burden of the disease and calling for access to effective programs and interventions to address it. 
• Later this month, Alzheimer's Association advocates and champions will attend the first meeting of the federal Advisory Council on Alzheimer's Research, Care and Services as we take the initial steps forward in developing our nation's coordinated strategic plan to deal with the growing Alzheimer's crisis, reflecting the input that you and thousands of others have shared online and at our more than 100 National Alzheimer's Project Act input sessions (including our Maine chapter input session held in August).

Maine people are invited to join us and become one of our everyday heroes in the fight against Alzheimer's disease by declaring that "The End of Alzheimer's Starts with ME" and participating in any of the following actions:

• Go purple today and encourage your family and friends to do so.
• Change your social media profile pictures to the purple "END ALZ" graphic to help spread awareness. This graphic is available on our Maine chapter facebook page. Please "like us" while you're there!
• Know the 10 warning signs of Alzheimer's disease. For more information, visit: www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_10_signs_of_alzheimers.asp?type=more_information.
• Let friends, neighbors and loved ones know about our 24/7 helpline (1-800-272-3900) available to any caregiver or person living with Alzheimer's for information, education and support. FMI: www.alz.org/maine/in_my_community_helping.asp. 
• Join our upcoming Walk to End Alzheimer's which will take place at 13 locations in Maine on September 24 and October 1. Participants will walk together and learn more about Alzheimer's disease, advocacy opportunities, clinical trial enrollment, and support programs and services of the Alzheimer's Association. Each walker will also join in a meaningful tribute ceremony to honor those affected by Alzheimer's disease. More than 2,500people from these areas are expected at this year's event to raise awareness and funds to fight Alzheimer's disease. Please link to the Walk event nearest to you for details about that event's specific registration andWalk times, distance, and other information at www.alz.org/walk or call 800-272-3900.
• Become a Maine Alzheimer's Advocate, attend a special event, or become a volunteer. FMI: www.alz.org/maine/in_my_community_participate.asp .
• Make a donation online at www.alz.org/maine/in_my_community_donate.asp.
• Post a comment cheering on or recognizing an Alzheimer's hero you know at www.alz.org/wam.
• Stay in touch and up-to-date on Maine chapter services and happenings by visiting our Maine chapter's new "Local News" page on our website, or by joining us on our social media pages by clicking on the Facebook, Twitter or Youtube icon links at bottom below.

The end of Alzheimer's disease starts with ME and you! Together we can make a difference in the lives of millions. Take action today. Thank you!

About the Alzheimer's Association:  The Alzheimer's Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer care, support and research. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer's disease through the advancement of research, to provide and enhance care and support for all affected, and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer's. The Alzheimer's Association, Maine Chapter serves the entire State of Maine from its Scarborough office.  There are approximately 37,000 families in Maine who are affected by Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia. Visit www.alz.org/maine or call 1.800.272.3900.