World Alzheimer’s Day is observed annually on September 21 across the world to raise awareness and educate people about Alzheimer’s and Dementia. Since 2012, the month of September has been observed as World Alzheimer’s Month. This year marks the 9th World Alzheimer’s Month.
Theme for the year 2020– ‘Let’s talk about dementia’
Background
The Alzheimer Disease International(ADI), founded in 1984 on its 10th anniversary(1994) announced the 1st World Alzheimer’s Day to be observed on September 2, while World Alzheimer’s Month was launched in 2012.
Facts
i.As per the data gathered by the World Health Organisation(WHO), around 50 million people suffer from dementia globally and 10 million new cases emerge every year.
ii.Globally every 3 seconds, a new case of dementia occurs.
iii.Alzheimer’s disease affects about 6%of people aged 65 years and older. An average of 2 out of 3 people globally have little or no understanding about Alzheimer’s disease nor of dementia.
iv.The first diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease was made in 1906. Alzheimer’s disease is most common in Western Europe.
Dementia
General Meaning
i.It is a syndrome (a group of related symptoms) associated with continuous decline in functioning of the brain. Alzheimer’s disease is a type of dementia.
ii.It is to be noted that there are many different causes of dementia, and many different types.
Symptoms
It’s symptoms include memory loss, language, such as using words incorrectly, or trouble speaking among others.
Treatment
Currently there is no treatment for Dementia. In some cases, with an early diagnosis its progress can be slowed down.
Alzheimer’s disease
General Info
i.Alzheimer’s disease is a chronic neurodegenerative disease that usually starts slowly and gradually worsens over time.
ii.It is an irreversible, progressive brain disorder that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills, and, ultimately, the ability to perform simple tasks.
iii.It is the most common cause of dementia.
Symptoms
It’s symptoms include, confusion, disorientation and getting lost in familiar places, hallucinations and delusions among others.
Stages
There is 7 stages of Alzheimer’s disease, namely, no impairment, very mild decline, mild decline, moderate decline, moderately severe decline, severe decline and very severe decline.
Treatment
There is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease but there are drug and non-drug options that may help treat symptoms.
About Alzheimer Disease International(ADI):
ADI is the international federation of Alzheimer associations around the world, in official relations with the World Health Organization.
HeadQuarters– London, United Kingdom
Chairman– Glenn Rees(Australia)
President– Princess Yasmin Aga Khan(USA-United States of America)
