Celebrate World Alzheimer’s Day on 21st September 2019, a special day for organisations and individuals to promote awareness around the world by identifying the issues faced by patients of the disease as well as patients of dementia.

Every year, Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia are one of the biggest challenges faced globally with about 2 out of 3 people affected regularly. Despite such concerning figures, misinformation and stigmatisation still surrounds the disorder and how it is derived. Therefore, to confront the problem, World Alzheimer’s Disease Day is ideally fitting for key players to unite, collaborate and share ideas, practices and solutions.

Alzheimer’s Disease is a progressive brain disorder that destroys functional skills, like thinking and memory. Most patients experience symptoms in their mid-60s. A common side effect of Alzheimer’s is dementia. Dementia is the loss of cognitive and behavioural skills, like remembering and reasoning, which ultimately affects basic daily living and activities. The severe stage of dementia results in the patient being completely dependent on others.

This year, many organisations will show their commitment by partnering with global alliances on research, campaigns and movements. For example, Global Alzheimer’s & Dementia Action Alliance (GADAA), is an active participant who eagerly engages with international civil society organisations to express the necessary steps to embrace global action on dementia.

Explore the other ways that you can get involved and help spread the cause:

• Social Media – Organise events and join your national Alzheimer Association. Spread the word using the hashtag #WorldAlzMonth
• Follow global opinion speakers and government leaders, patients with the disease, their caregivers, families as well as the medical professionals. Listen to what they have to say.

Now is the time. See what is happening in your community or in your home country and actively participate by being a proud advocate against Alzheimer’s Disease.

References:

World Alzheimer’s Day. Alzheimers.Org

Alzheimer’s Disease Fact Sheet, NIA

World Alzheimer’s Month