Each September, people unite from all corners of the world to raise awareness and to challenge the stigma that persists around Alzheimer’s disease and all types of dementia.

During World Alzheimer’s Month, we call on everyone, from individuals to large organisations, including every Alzheimer and dementia association globally, to support World Alzheimer’s Month by getting involved in some way.

As outlined in our World Alzheimer Report 2019, many people still wrongly believe that dementia is a normal ageing. This alone highlights how important public awareness campaigns, like World Alzheimer’s Month, are for changing perceptions and increasing existing public knowledge around dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

This year’s theme, ‘Know Dementia, Know Alzheimer’s,’ continues on from the 2021 campaign, which focused on diagnosis, the warning signs of dementia, the continued effect of COVID-19 on the global dementia community and more.

In 2022, the campaign will have a special focus on post-diagnostis support. Following recent developments and potential breakthroughs, in both dementia treatment and support, the campaign will aim to highlight the importance of support for people living with dementia and families following a diagnosis.

World Alzheimer’s Day

World Alzheimer’s Day takes place during World Alzheimer’s Month and is on 21 September every year.

In the build up to, and on the day of, many Alzheimer and dementia associations around the world host memory walks, fundraisers, awareness raising activities and campaigns to bring attention towards those in their community that are affected by Alzheimer’s disease or other types of dementia.

Since COVID-19, many associations, including ADI (Alzheimer’s Disease International) members, host events and activities virtually. These activities include webinars, remote memory walks and more.

Each World Alzheimer’s Day, ADI releases its annual World Alzheimer Report. Like this year’s campaign theme, the 2022 report will centre around post-diagnosis.

Getting involved

There are many ways to get involved with World Alzheimer’s Month, whether it be sharing messages on social media, attending events put on by your national association or fundraising. No action is too small.

Each September, we call on everyone, from individuals to large organisations, including every Alzheimer’s and dementia association globally, to support World Alzheimer’s Month by getting involved and sharing our messages on social media.

 

Article originally appeared at: https://www.alzint.org/
Author: Alzheimer’s Disease International