September is World Alzheimer’s Month

September is World Alzheimer’s Month, an international campaign to raise dementia awareness and challenge stigma. Each year, Alzheimer associations from around the world unite to organise advocacy and information provision events, as well as Memory Walks and fundraising days.

The impact of this campaign is growing, but the stigmatisation and misinformation that surrounds dementia remains a global issue. This September is our time for action, when the global dementia family unites to call for and demand change.

World Alzheimer’s Month is coordinated by Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI), the umbrella organisation of Alzheimer associations around the world.

Join the campaign! Visit www.worldalzmonth.org to see how you can get involved.

About dementia

Dementia is a collective name for progressive brain syndromes which affect memory, thinking, behaviour and emotion. Dementia is the leading cause of disability and dependency among the elderly. Although each person will experience dementia in their own way, eventually those affected are unable to care for themselves and need help with all aspects of daily life.

There are over 100 forms of dementia. The most well-known form of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease, which accounts for 50-60% of all cases. Other forms of dementia include vascular dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies and fronto-temporal dementia. Symptoms may include:

• loss of memory
• difficulty in finding the right words or understanding what people are saying
• difficulty in performing previously routine tasks
• personality and mood changes

Dementia affects almost 50 million people worldwide, with a new case of dementia occurring somewhere in the world every 3 seconds. Dementia can also affect individuals under the age of 65 (young onset dementia). Greater awareness and understanding of dementia is important to challenge the myths and misconceptions that surround the condition.

There is currently no cure for dementia, but treatment and support are available.

About Alzheimer’s Disease International

World Alzheimer’s Month is an initiative of Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI). ADI is the umbrella organization of 100 Alzheimer associations around the globe. We aim to help establish and strengthen associations around the world and to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and other causes of dementia.

Learn more: worldalzmonth.org