World Alzheimer’s Day is annually celebrated across the globe on 21 September to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s disease, dementia and the importance of a timely diagnosis, warning signs of dementia.
- The day also highlights the need to fight against the stigma that still surrounds Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
Note: Alzheimer’s is a progressive neurologic disorder that causes the brain to shrink (atrophy) and brain cells to die. It is the most common type of dementia that affects around 50-60% of people with dementia.
World Alzheimer’s Month- September 2022:
i.World Alzheimer’s Month is the international campaign from Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI) that takes place every September.
- The theme for World Alzheimer’s Month in September 2022 is ‘Know dementia, Know Alzheimer’s’, continues on from the 2021 campaign.
- The 2022 campaign is specially focused on post-diagnostic support.
Background:
i.Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI) and the World Health Organization (WHO) launched World Alzheimer’s Day at the opening of ADI’s annual conference in Edinburgh (Scotland) on 21 September 1994.
ii.The first awareness campaign – World Alzheimer’s Month – was piloted in 2010 in 12 countries .
iii.The first ever global campaign for World Alzheimer’s Month was started in 2012.
About Alzheimer’s & dementia:
i.These are degenerative brain diseases, which can destroy the memory and other brain functions of an individual.
ii.The disease commonly affects people of older age and they find it difficult to remember things as they grow older.
iii.Alzheimer’s is caused when there are disturbances in the structure of proteins in the brain.
iv.Dementia is an overall term used to describe brain syndrome that affects memory, behaviour and emotions.
Types -Vascular dementia, Lewy Body Disease, Frontotemporal dementia , Alcohol-related dementia , Down syndrome and Alzheimer’s disease .
About World Alzheimer Report 2022:
- On the occasion of World Alzheimer’s Day, the annual World Alzheimer Report released by Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI).
- The World Alzheimer Report 2022 is centred around post-diagnosis support through a series of expert essays, case studies and shared global experiences from those living with dementia and carers..
About Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI):
CEO- Paola Barbarino
Headquarters- London,United Kingdom (UK)
Founded- 1984
