World Alzheimer’s Month: Everything you need to know

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” I didn’t know what dementia was until it happened to my grandma. It took me by surprise that such a condition had a medical terminology because everyone thought it was madness. I wish we had known better, we could have handled her differently “- Anonymous.

There are folks out there who relate Alzheimer’s disease to a reward of a person’s wrong doings. They see it as a condition that affects seemingly wicked people at their old age. And when the person starts to say contradictory words, it feels like a confession. A lot of old folks have been stigmatized because of this. Alzheimer’s disease is not a spiritual attack but a mental condition that mostly affects aged people.

The purpose of World Alzheimer’s Month is to sensitise people on what disease and other related diseases truly is.

What is Alzheimer’s disease?

“Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia. It is a progressive disease beginning with mild memory loss and possibly leading to loss of the ability to carry on a conversation and respond to the environment. Alzheimer’s disease involves parts of the brain that control thought, memory, and language. It can seriously affect a person’s ability to carry out daily activities.”- CDC

World Alzheimer’s Month

It is an international campaign to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. The initiative seeks to educate the public about the impact of dementia on individuals, families, and communities, and to advocate for better care, support, and research funding.

Throughout the month, a variety of events, educational programs, and media campaigns take place to inform people about dementia, reduce stigma, and promote the importance of early diagnosis and intervention.

World Alzheimer’s Month is a global campaign held every September to raise awareness and challenge the stigma surrounding Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.

Led by Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI), this month-long event brings together people from all walks of life to share information, support those affected, and advocate for increased research and better care for those living with dementia.

The campaign emphasizes the importance of understanding dementia, recognizing the early signs, and supporting those who live with it. Dementia is the umbrella body from which Alzheimer’s disease stems from.

Every September, the World Alzheimer’s Month is observed with World Alzheimer’s Day taking place on September 21st. This dedicated day, and the month as a whole, provide a focal point for people to learn more about Alzheimer’s and dementia, to advocate for those affected, and to support ongoing research efforts.

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History of Alzheimer’s Disease

German physician Alois Alzheimer, a pioneer in linking symptoms to microscopic brain changes, describes the haunting case of Auguste D., a patient who had profound memory loss, unfounded suspicions about her family, and other worsening psychological changes.

2024 World Alzheimer’s Month theme

“Time to act on dementia, time to act on Alzheimer’s” is the theme for 2024. September will see a number of events, initiatives, and activities to commemorate World Alzheimer’s Month. This year’s campaign’s main objectives are to combat stigma associated with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Additionally, the colour purple is used to create awareness about the cause.

You can create an online movement through these hashtags:

#WorldAlzheimersMonth

#EndAlzheimers

#DementiaAwareness

#AlzheimersAwareness

#SupportAlz

You can also visit the Alzheimer’s Disease International website for campaign materials