World Alzheimer’s Day
World Alzheimer’s Day is observed annually on September 21st and was first observed in 1994. It is part of World Alzheimer’s Month, which lasts all of September. World Alzheimer’s Day is a global campaign to raise awareness and challenge the stigma surrounding Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia.
World Alzheimer’s Day was launched by Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI), in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO). This year’s theme, “Ask About Dementia,” reminds us that questions spark conversation, and conversation leads to understanding. Understanding something highlights what we do not yet know, and that leads to research, and discovery of new ways to help patients and families affected by dementia.
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, which is a general term for memory loss and other cognitive abilities serious enough to interfere with daily life. Alzheimer’s disease accounts for 60%-80% of dementia cases. Around 55 million people worldwide live with dementia (as of 2024), a number projected to reach 139 million by 2050. People in the “baby boomer” generation are now in their 70s, and younger generations are already struggling with caring for their aging relatives and community members.
Dementia is a global health crisis, especially as populations age, but Alzheimer’s is not a normal part of aging. Many people expect dementia to set in with old age and do not seek help when the signs of dementia begin showing themselves. Signs of early dementia include:
− Memory loss
− Difficulty concentrating
− Finding it hard to carry out familiar daily tasks, such as losing one’s way along a familiar route
− Struggling to follow a conversation or find the right words
− Being confused about time and place
− Mood changes
Many people living with Alzheimer’s face social isolation due to misunderstanding. There are many ways that stigma can negatively impact the lives of people living with dementia, their families, and their caregivers. These include:
− Lack of awareness about dementia
− Harmful and misleading assumptions
− Negative language
− Belittlement and jokes
− Lack of support after diagnosis
− Stigma by association
− Feelings of low self-worth
Here are some ways to help a family living with Alzheimer’s:
− Educate yourself about Alzheimer’s disease
− Stay in touch
− Be patient
− Offer a shoulder to lean on
− Engage the person with dementia in conversation
− Offer to help the family with their to-do list
− Engage family members in activities
− Offer family members a reprieve
Early diagnosis is essential to minimize the effects of dementia. Raising awareness encourages early detection, which can improve quality of life. Research funding advocates for more investment in treatment and prevention research. Educational events, public talks, memory walks, and fundraisers are held to benefit Alzheimer’s research. Themes often promote prevention, education, support, and innovation in care. Buildings and landmarks may be lit in purple, the official color of Alzheimer’s awareness. Social media campaigns using hashtags like #WorldAlzheimersDay and #KnowDementia are used to connect individuals and groups while raising awareness.
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