YMCA Buffalo Niagara 'Goes Purple' on June 18 for Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month
BUFFALO, N.Y. (June 5, 2026) – This June, during Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month, the Alzheimer’s Association is encouraging people across the country to prioritize their brain health by taking positive steps that can make a meaningful difference.
As part of the initiative, the Western New York Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association has partnered with YMCA Buffalo Niagara for a special day of activities on June 18 when all branches will “Go Purple” to recognize Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month.
Purple is the official color for Alzheimer’s awareness and YMCA Buffalo Niagara branches will be decorated in the color on June 18, when they will also offer education materials, helpful resources, refreshments, giveaways and Brain Health BINGO to promote healthy habits that benefit both body and mind.
“We are thrilled to partner with YMCA Buffalo Niagara for this day of education and awareness,” says Courtney Sipes, director of community engagement for the WNY Chapter. “The Alzheimer’s Association and the YMCA share many of the same goals, as research has shown the healthy habits the YMCA encourages, such as exercise, healthy eating and social engagement, are also beneficial to brain health and may reduce the risk of cognitive decline.”
While awareness around brain health is growing, many Americans still aren’t sure what steps to take. According to the 2026 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report, nearly 9 in 10 Americans say brain health is important, yet only 1 in 10 say they know how to maintain it. Through Brain Health BINGO and other educational resources, visitors to the YMCA on June 18 will learn the steps they can take to look after their brain health.
Brain Health BINGO will be held at each YMCA Buffalo Niagara branch at the following times:
9:30 a.m. - Independent Health YMCA, 150 Tech Drive, Amherst
10:30 a.m. - Southtowns YMCA, 1620 Southwestern Blvd., West Seneca
12:00 p.m. - Ken-Ton YMCA, 535 Belmont Ave., Kenmore
12:30 p.m. - Lockport YMCA, 5833 Snyder Drive, Lockport
1:30 a.m. - William-Emslie YMCA, 585 William Street, Buffalo
For more information and to register for BINGO, contact your local branch of the YMCA Buffalo Niagara or call 800.272.3900.
