World Alzheimer’s Day is an international observance held annually on September 21, aimed at raising awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia. The purpose of this day is to inform the public about the disease, reduce stigma, increase awareness of early diagnosis and preventive measures, and highlight the challenges faced by both Alzheimer’s patients and their caregivers. On this special day, educational, informational, and awareness-raising activities related to the disease are organized.
Elderly Persons (Anadolu Ajansı)
History
World Alzheimer’s Day is observed every year on September 21. This date was chosen to enhance the visibility of the disease and raise global awareness about Alzheimer’s. Since its inception, the day has been used as an international platform to bring attention to issues related to Alzheimer’s and dementia and to highlight the challenges faced by patients and caregivers. Since 2012, the entire month of September has been designated as World Alzheimer’s Month.
Purpose and Importance
The primary aim of World Alzheimer’s Day is to inform the public about Alzheimer’s disease and increase awareness. The day seeks to make the psychological, social, and economic challenges faced by patients and caregivers more visible, while addressing knowledge gaps among the public and healthcare professionals, reducing stigma, and ensuring that patients are not socially excluded.
General Information About the Disease
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia and is characterized by a progressive course. The prevalence of the disease continues to grow worldwide with new cases emerging regularly. In 2021, there were 57 million people living with dementia globally, and this number is projected to reach 139 million by 2050. In Türkiye, the disease is also frequently observed, particularly among the elderly, affecting many individuals.【1】
Alzheimer’s disease typically progresses through early, middle, and late stages. In the early stage, individuals can maintain independent living, though memory problems, difficulty recalling names or words, forgetting new information, and misplacing items may occur. In the middle stage, dementia symptoms become more pronounced; individuals may forget events or personal history, experience disorientation in time and place, have sleep disturbances, lose control over bladder and bowel functions, and exhibit personality and behavioral changes. In the late stage, individuals lose the ability to respond to their environment, communicate, and move independently; they become fully dependent on others for daily personal care and experience a decline in physical abilities.
Risk Factors and Prevention
Key risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease include advanced age, genetic predisposition, low education level, insufficient physical activity, smoking and alcohol consumption, obesity, hypertension, diabetes, depression, hearing loss, social isolation, and unhealthy diet. Preventive measures include regular physical activity, balanced nutrition, avoiding smoking and alcohol, keeping the mind active, maintaining social relationships, noting important daily information, and attending regular medical check-ups. These practices are effective in reducing disease risk and slowing its progression.
Awareness and Themes
Awareness campaigns conducted for World Alzheimer’s Day aim to inform the public about Alzheimer’s and dementia and to reduce stigma. In recent years, the designated themes have emphasized asking questions and acquiring knowledge about the disease, with the goal of increasing societal awareness. Campaigns such as #AskAboutAlzheimer and #AskAboutDementia encourage greater understanding and awareness of Alzheimer’s-related issues.
Global Efforts
The prevalence of Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia is recognized as a global health and economic challenge. In 2013, G8 leaders set a target to develop preventive measures or disease-modifying treatments for dementia by 2025 and committed to increasing research funding. In 2015, the global cost of dementia was estimated at 818 billion USD. International calls emphasize that all Alzheimer’s patients should have reliable and timely access to diagnosis and treatment.【2】
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