World Alzheimer Day [21st September]

Every year on 21st September, World Alzheimer's Day is observed to increase awareness regarding Alzheimer's disease and dementia. Alzheimer's disease is the most common type of dementia. It is a type of degenerative brain disease that causes memory and cognitive functions to deteriorate. It mostly affects older people, and as per a report, 1 out of every 9 people aged 65 or above will have Alzheimer's disease.

Although the disease is common, there is very little awareness or knowledge about it. Therefore, the month of September is dedicated as World Alzheimer's Awareness Month, and 21st September is celebrated as World Alzheimer's Day around the world.

What is World Alzheimer's Day?

World Alzheimer's Day is a special day designated to talk about Alzheimer's disease and to remove the stigma around it. Many people around the world associate dementia as a normal part of aging. To challenge this perception and to spread public knowledge about all types of dementia, including Alzheimer's, we celebrate 21st September as World Alzheimer's Day.

World Alzheimer's Day 2022 Theme

Every year, a unique theme is chosen for the celebration of World Alzheimer's Day. All the global and local events planned for this day are based on the chosen theme. This year, the World Alzheimer's Day 2022 theme is "Know Dementia, Know Alzheimer's." The theme is focused on spreading knowledge about the disease to as many people as possible. This will help fulfill the following motives:

• People will better understand dementia and Alzheimer's.
• Caretakers of Alzheimer's patients will be better equipped with knowledge.

World Alzheimer's Day 2021

This year's theme for Alzheimer's Day is a continuation of the last year's theme. Global organizations and individuals continue to strive for more awareness about this disease. Find the details about the previous year's themes here:

• World Alzheimer's Day 2021 Theme - "Know Dementia, Know Alzheimer's"
• Alzheimer's Day 2020 Theme - "Let's Talk About Dementia"

World Alzheimer's Day History

Apart from knowing World Alzheimer's Day meaning, we should also be aware of its history. In 1901, a German doctor named Alois Alzheimer discovered the first instance of Alzheimer's disease in a 50-year-old German woman. As a result, Alzheimer's illness was given his name. Find out more information about World Alzheimer's Day history below:

• Alzheimer Disease International was an organization started in 1984 to help people diagnose and fight the disease more confidently.
• World Alzheimer's Day was established on its 10th anniversary, on 21st September 1994.
• In 2012, the month of September was dedicated as World Alzheimer's Awareness Month.

World Alzheimer Day Significance

The goal of World Alzheimer's Day is to raise awareness and educate people about the severity and symptoms of the illness. Alzheimer's disease is a frequent type of dementia that causes memory impairment and decline over time. To increase awareness of the disease, its symptoms, and risk factors, International Alzheimer's Day is observed on 21st September every year.

On this day, people from all backgrounds, including those who are suffering from the disease, are educated, supported, and applauded on this day. Throughout the month of September, awareness is spread to demystify dementia and remove the stigma around it.

Alzheimer's Day - What is Alzheimer's Disease?

World Alzheimer's Day is about educating people about this disease, its effects and the challenges those who struggle with it face. Alzheimer's disease primarily affects the elderly. This is a reason for concern in India, as the number of older people is growing. Know more about what is Alzheimer's disease here:

• Alzheimer's disease destroys brain cells, which results in memory changes and loss, erratic behavior, and a shutdown of bodily functioning.
• This illness usually starts slowly and progresses over time. There is no recognized treatment for it.
• Early detection improves the patient's chances of receiving effective treatment for the disease. The therapy modalities incorporate components of medicine, psychology, and caregiving.
• One of the early signs of Alzheimer's disease is the inability to recall recent events. Alzheimer's patients forget the names of long-time friends, residences, and even the names of streets and other items.

How to Celebrate World Alzheimer's Day?

International Alzheimer's Day is observed on 21st September to raise awareness about the disease, its signs, and risk factors. Alzheimer's is a chronic, progressive, and degenerative brain disease that affects memory, cognition, and the ability to do even simple tasks. Every year on this day, organizations and individuals conduct World Alzheimer's Day activities to spread awareness. Here is how this day is observed globally:

• On World Alzheimer's Day, many health organizations host Alzheimer's walks.
• To raise awareness about Alzheimer's disease, communities worldwide arrange seminars and public activities.
• Buildings such as the CN Tower in Toronto and several downtown buildings in Chicago have previously been lighted purple to raise awareness of Alzheimer's disease.
• People wear purple bracelets or ribbons to show support for International Alzheimer's day.
• People can also donate to Alzheimer's Disease International or the Alzheimer's Association (ADI).

FAQs on World Alzheimer's Day

Q1. What is World Alzheimer's Day?

World Alzheimer's Day is observed to spread awareness about Alzheimer's disease. It is a disease that affects the brain cells, which results in memory loss and erratic behavior. Alzheimer's Day is celebrated on 21st September every year.

Q2. What is World Alzheimer's Day 2022 theme?

This year, World Alzheimer's Day 2022 theme is "Know Dementia, Know Alzheimer's." It is a continuation of last year's Alzheimer's Day campaign and theme. All this day's global and local events will revolve around this theme.

Q3. How to celebrate World Alzheimer's Day?

To celebrate the day, you can organize or participate in a various World Alzheimer's Day activities, such as the following:

• Alzheimer's awareness walks.
• Group Discussions about the disease and its impact.
• Donating to organizations that do relief work for Alzheimer's patients.

Q4. When was World Alzheimer's Day first celebrated?

World Alzheimer's Day was first established on 21st September 1994, on the 10th anniversary of Alzheimer's Disease International, which was founded to support people fighting Alzheimer's disease. Since then, the day has been celebrated as Alzheimer's Day every year.

Q5. What was World Alzheimer's Day 2021 theme?

"Know Dementia, Know Alzheimer's" was the theme of World Alzheimer's Day in 2021. Several campaigns were conducted around the theme on global and local levels. In 2022, the World Alzheimer's Day 2021 theme is continued, and the celebrations will be planned around the same theme.