Every September 21st is World Alzheimer’s Day. On this day, the whole world is focusing on raising people’s awareness of Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s disease is a kind of dementia that directly affects memory, thinking, and behavior. The symptoms will eventually become severe enough to interfere with daily work. World Alzheimer’s Day is a great opportunity for us to raise our voices and find new ways to combat the effects of this disease.
The Theme of World Alzheimer’s Day 2024
The theme of the 2024 event is “Know Dementia, Know Alzheimer’s Disease“. During the event, we paid attention to the warning signs of dementia and the importance of timely diagnosis.
See here: World Alzheimer’s Day 2024: Quotes, Wishes, Messages
Alzheimer’s Disease and Its Symptoms
We have known that Alzheimer’s disease is a kind of dementia that directly affects memory, thinking, and behavior. Here some major symptoms are described.
Symptoms
- Early symptoms
- Forget about recent conversations or events.
- Misplaced items.
- Forget the names of places and objects.
- It is difficult to come up with the correct word.
- Ask questions repeatedly.
- Demonstrates poor judgment or finds it more difficult to make a decision.
- Become less flexible and less willing to try new things.
History of World Alzheimer’s Day
Alzheimer’s disease is a type of dementia that affects memory and impairs daily functions. It is responsible for approximately 60% to 80% of dementia cases. In 1901, German psychiatrist Alois Alzheimer (Alois Alzheimer) was the first to discover this disease while treating a German woman. The disease is named after him.
This condition is usually considered a family illness because it affects those closest to the victim. This is one of the leading causes of death in the USA. Without preventive measures, there is no cure, or even slow down the development of the disease.
Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI) was established in 1984 to support victims and carry out outreach activities to educate people and accelerate the development of related policies.
In 1994, ADI launched World Alzheimer’s Day at its annual conference in Edinburgh on September 21 to commemorate its 10th anniversary. ADI cooperates with member organizations and associations to organize activities and raise awareness.
The first “World Alzheimer’s Disease Report” was released on World Alzheimer’s Disease Day in 2009, and annual reports have been released every year thereafter. Although the impact of the commemoration is spreading, the information gap and stigma related to dementia are still a problem. Many people view this disease as a natural part of the aging process. It is true that the increase in age is one of the main causes of Alzheimer’s disease, but it is not entirely a senile disease. In the United States alone, there are approximately 200,000 people under 65 who are battling Alzheimer’s disease. To commemorate this commemorative event, relevant individuals and organizations can participate by raising awareness and contacting the Alzheimer’s Association in their country.
World Alzheimer’s Day Timeline
How to celebrate World Alzheimer’s Day
Spread awareness
You can share essential information about Alzheimer’s with friends and family or post on social media. Fully understanding the disease is the first step in dealing with the disease.
Volunteer at your local Alzheimer’s Association
Volunteer at your local Alzheimer’s Association. Join the parade or find a way to contribute to the commemoration of this event.
Donate
ADI encourages individuals and organizations to make donations. Your financial support is very helpful in raising awareness and organizing events.
Why World Alzheimer’s Day is important
It brings people together
The fight against Alzheimer’s disease unites people all over the world. From victims to caregivers, doctors and researchers, they all face the same struggle.
It provides valuable education
The annual commemoration has a theme. This information or topic helps to clarify common misunderstandings about the disease.
Recognized by Alzheimer’s Organization
World Alzheimer’s Day is an excellent opportunity for the association to gain recognition. This allows them to better achieve their institutional goals.
10 facts about Alzheimer’s disease
- Half of the 85+ adults aged have Alzheimer’s disease.
- Of the 5.4 million Americans with this disease, more than half may not know they have it.
- More women suffer from Alzheimer’s disease.
- By 2050, the incidence of Alzheimer’s will increase to once every 33 seconds.
- Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth major cause of death in America.
- There is more than 16 million nursing staff in the United States caring for people with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.
- Caregivers with this disease are more likely to suffer from depression, emotional stress, and financial problems.
- The total cost of health and long-term care services for Alzheimer’s disease is $277 billion.
- An estimated 800,000 Americans suffer from this disease and live alone.
Conclusion
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive disease that causes brain cells to decay and die. The day reminds us to take extra care of all patients suffering from this disease. To know more about this disease you can visit Wikipedia.
