June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month — and on the summer solstice, known as The Longest Day, communities across the country are honoring caregivers and those living with memory loss.

What You Need To Know

  •  Loretto's Montessori-style dementia program encourages purposeful tasks and emotional connection for memory care residents.

  •  Longest Day pickleball fundraiser at Lysander Park benefits the Alzheimer's Association, with $20 open play from 5-8 p.m.

  • Experts emphasize that lifestyle choices, like sleep, diet, and social connection, can reduce dementia risk and support brain health.

In New York, Loretto’s Heritage memory care facility is taking a unique approach to dementia care, using Montessori principles to spark joy, confidence and connection in residents.

Luella Lell is one of those residents. She knits baby blankets for her grandchildren. A task that brings comfort, purpose and humor to her daily life.

“I’m knitting a baby blanket and I’m going to have a grandson this year, and I have two granddaughters I’m going to make a baby blanket for… and two other grandsons I’m just going to ignore,” Luella Lell says with a laugh.

At Loretto, memory care isn’t just about managing symptoms. It’s about maintaining identity and fostering community. Tasks like passing out magazines or setting the table are more than routine — they’re brain-building tools.

“One of the real fundamental tenets of the Montessori dementia approach is the use of roles for people,” said Mary Koenig, vice president of Impact and Mission Integration at Loretto. “Even as we lose our cognitive abilities, we don’t lose that desire to connect.”

Koenig, who has worked in memory care for 30 years, says what’s good for your heart is also good for your brain. Lifestyle habits including sleep, diet and staying socially active can reduce the risk of dementia.

As the population ages, dementia diagnoses are expected to rise dramatically. 

Friday night, that community spirit will be on full display in Lysander. From 5 to 8 p.m., the town’s pickleball courts will host open play for a cause. A $20 donation supports the Alzheimer’s Association as part of The Longest Day fundraiser.