World Alzheimer's Day

World Alzheimer’s Day is an international observance held annually on September 21 to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. The purpose of this day is to inform the public about the disease, reduce stigma, increase awareness of early diagnosis and prevention methods, and highlight the challenges faced by both Alzheimer’s patients and their caregivers. Educational, informational, and awareness-raising activities are organized on this special day.

World Alzheimer’s Day (Anadolu Agency)

History

World Alzheimer’s Day is observed annually on September 21. This date was chosen to increase the social visibility of the disease and enhance global awareness of Alzheimer’s. Since its proclamation, Alzheimer’s and dementia have been brought to the forefront of international agendas, with the aim of drawing attention to the challenges faced by patients and caregivers. Since 2012, the entire month of September has been recognized as World Alzheimer’s Month.

Purpose and Significance

The primary purpose of World Alzheimer’s Day is to inform the public and raise awareness about Alzheimer’s disease. The day seeks to make visible the psychological, social, and economic difficulties experienced by patients and caregivers, address knowledge gaps among the public and healthcare professionals, reduce stigma, and ensure that patients are not excluded from social life.

General Information About the Disease

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia and a progressive brain disorder. The disease is becoming increasingly prevalent worldwide due to the continuous emergence of new cases. In 2021, there were 57 million people living with dementia globally, and this number is projected to reach 139 million by 2050. In Türkiye, it is particularly common among older adults and affects many individuals.^【1】 

Alzheimer’s disease typically progresses through early, middle, and late stages. In the early stage, individuals can still maintain independent living; symptoms may include memory problems, difficulty recalling names or words, forgetting new information, and misplacing items. In the middle stage, dementia symptoms become more pronounced; individuals may forget events or personal history, experience confusion about time and place, develop sleep disturbances, face difficulties with bladder and bowel control, and show changes in personality and behavior. In the late stage, individuals lose the ability to respond to their environment, communicate, or 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 educational level, insufficient physical activity, smoking and alcohol use, obesity, hypertension, diabetes, depression, hearing loss, social isolation, and poor nutrition. Prevention strategies include regular physical activity, balanced nutrition, avoiding smoking and alcohol, keeping the mind active, maintaining social connections, writing down important daily information, and undergoing regular medical check-ups. These measures are effective in reducing the risk of developing the disease and slowing its progression.

Awareness and Themes

Awareness campaigns conducted on World Alzheimer’s Day aim to inform the public about Alzheimer’s and dementia and reduce stigma. In recent years, designated themes have emphasized asking questions and seeking information to increase societal awareness. Campaigns such as #AskAboutAlzheimer’s and #AskAboutDementia encourage greater public understanding of Alzheimer’s-related issues.

Global Efforts

The prevalence of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia is considered a global health and economic challenge. In 2013, G8 leaders committed to finding preventive measures or treatments that alter the course of dementia by 2025 and pledged to increase funding for research. In 2015, the global cost of dementia was estimated at $818 billion. International calls stress that all individuals with Alzheimer’s must have reliable and timely access to diagnosis and treatment.^【2】 

Disclaimer: The content in this article is provided solely for general encyclopedic informational purposes. The information here should not be used for diagnosis, treatment, or medical advice. Before making any decisions regarding health, you must consult a physician or qualified healthcare professional. The author and KÜRE Encyclopedia assume no responsibility for any consequences arising from the use of this information for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes.