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Every year, the 21st of September is observed as World Alzheimer’s Day. This day raises awareness, understanding, and causes and precautions for Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Moreover, it encourages open conversation and information sharing to break the stigma of this disease. Some common signs or symptoms of Alzheimer’s include memory loss, trouble understanding images, problems with writing or speaking, and misplacing things. Moreover, 1 in 3 elder adults dies with Alzheimer’s or another dementia, making the annual celebration of World Alzheimer’s Day even more important.
| Day | World Alzheimer’s Day |
| Observed On | 21st September |
| 2024 Theme | Time to Act on Dementia, Time to Act on Alzheimer’s |
| Organisation | Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI) |
| Objective | To raise awareness of Alzheimer’s disease and |
Table of Contents
What is Alzheimer’s Disease?
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive and irreversible neurological disorder that affects the cognitive and memory systems. Alzheimer’s is the common cause of dementia, which is a general term for a decline in cognitive ability severe enough to interfere with body functioning.
The key characteristics of Alzheimer’s disease are:
- Memory loss or difficulty in remembering past incidents.
- Cognitive decline with difficulty in understanding languages, problem-solving and abstract thinking.
- Behavioural and psychological symptoms where an individual becomes agitated, anxious or withdrawn.
- Impaired functioning in which a person may struggle with daily activities such as eating, dressing, and bathing.
World Alzheimer’s Day History
In 1984 Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI) was established with its initial objective of building a network overseas among existing associations and partners, coordinating international activities and sharing information.
- Before observing World Alzheimer’s Day in 1994, the ADI focused on building connections in underdeveloped and developing nations.
- In 2005, ADI launched its twin programs – an approach to enable peer-to-peer exchange of knowledge and experience among participants of the Alzheimer’s Association.
- Later on, the STRiDE project was launched. STRiDE stands for Strengthening responses to dementia in developing countries.
- The goal of launching this program was to create and strengthen the working of researchers in 7 low and underdeveloped nations.
- after the successful implementation of the STRiDE project, ADI conducted several webinars for research participation.
- With the increasing number of participants, the goal of ADI shifted towards Dementia and COVID-19 in 2020.
Also Read: World Heart Day: Importance of Cardiovascular Health
What is the Theme of World Alzheimer’s Day in 2024?
The official theme of World Alzheimer’s Month in 2024 is “Time to Act on Dementia, Time to Act on Alzheimer’s”. This theme highlights the importance of addressing the global issue of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. It encourages individuals to look out for early signs and symptoms and act accordingly.
Why do we Celebrate World Alzheimer’s Day?
Apart from ADI, there are several other organizations, healthcare professionals, and caregivers, who participate in events and activities to promote awareness, provide support, and advocate for better research and care for those affected by Alzheimer’s disease. All the objectives of World Alzheimer’s Day are laid down by ADI and are pursued through various activities and initiatives organized by Alzheimer’s associations, healthcare professionals, and advocacy groups around the world.
- This day raises awareness about this disease and related dementias, that affect individuals and society.
- It challenges and works to reduce the stigma and stereotypes associated with Alzheimer’s disease, encouraging more open discussions and understanding.
- To encourage early detection and diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease to improve access to appropriate care and support.
- To offer support to individuals living with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers by sharing information about available resources, services, and community support.
- To advocate funding and support for Alzheimer’s research to better understand the disease and its treatment.
- To provide educational materials and programs to help the public understand its signs and symptoms.
Also Read: World Kidney Day- History, Theme, Significance
How to Celebrate World Alzheimer’s Day?
Losing someone you care about to Alzheimer’s can be truly disheartening and heartbreaking. Therefore, it is important to celebrate World Alzheimer’s Day with your friends and family to raise awareness about the disease as well as this day. Here are some common ways to celebrate this day:
- Encourage your friends to wear purple, the official colour for Alzheimer’s awareness.
- Take your young siblings to donate or volunteer at Alzheimer’s charities.
- Share informative posts and videos on your social media handles to spread awareness.
- Teach your friends and family about the early signs of Alzheimer’s disease.
- Volunteer for a day or so at any Alzheimer’s care facility near your house.
Related Blogs
| World Cancer Day | World Brain Tumor Day |
| World Stroke Day | World Health Day |
| Doctor’s Day | National Doctors’ Day |
FAQs
A. World Alzheimer’s Day is observed on the 21st of September every year.
A. The theme for the 2023 World Alzheimer’s Day is, “Time to Act on Dementia, Time to Act on Alzheimer’s.”
A. The first World Alzheimer’s Day was observed on 21st September 1994 when the President of Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI) signed a declaration challenging everyone to raise awareness of dementia.
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