World Alzheimer’s Awareness Month 2021
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder characterized by the shrinkage of brain cells, resulting in a gradual decline in cognitive abilities. Alzheimer’s disease leads to dementia, which leads to a loss of social, behavioural, and thinking skills.
If not managed properly, Alzheimer’s disease can become major comorbidity and affect the patient’s quality of life. World Alzheimer Month, observed in September, is aimed at increasing awareness of this horrible disease.
Here’s all you need to know about World Alzheimer’s Month.
What Is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month?
Alzheimer’s Awareness Month is observed every September to increase awareness of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia as well as the stigma that surrounds them. The focus of this event is to help people identify the warning signs and dementia to achieve early diagnosis and manage the condition well.
Importance of Alzheimer’s Awareness Month
Alzheimer’s disease is a common condition. Over 6 million Americans of all ages have it, with the risk being significantly high in senior citizens. Globally, over 50 million people suffer from Alzheimer’s disease. Of all people living with the condition, 72% are over 75 years of age.
Since Alzheimer’s disease is a neurological disorder, it gradually progresses, affecting the quality of life of the patient and their caregivers. Learning about the disease helps people watch out for warning signs in older adults and manage it well.
Some warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease to watch out for are:
- Memory loss that affects daily life tasks
- Inability to plan or solve problems
- Inability to complete familiar tasks
- Confusion with place or time
- Inability to understand spatial relationships and visual images
- Trouble reading or writing
- Inability to retrace steps or misplacing things
- Poor judgment quality
- Mood and personality disorders
While Alzheimer’s disease isn’t curable, early detection and timely management can slow down the progression and significantly improve the patient’s quality of life.
How to Observe Alzheimer’s Awareness Month?
The best way to observe any awareness month is to increase awareness of it between your friends and family members. If you have older adults in your family, spend more time with them and watch out for the warning signs discussed above. If you notice symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease, inform their caregiver immediately.
Additionally, there are many organizations working towards helping people suffering from Alzheimer’s. Some popular Alzheimer’s disease charities are:
- Alzheimer’s Association
- Alzheimer’s Family Services Center
- Alzheimer’s Foundation of America
- Cure Alzheimer’s Fund
- Dementia Society of America
- Fisher Center for Alzheimer’s Research Foundation
- Long Island Alzheimer’s Foundation
Supporting them can be a great way to help people suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. You can help any nonprofit organization in two ways. The first way is to volunteer your time with them. If that’s not possible, donating money is another effective way to help.
Conclusion
Older adults are at high risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Many people tend to overlook the warning signs of the disease, which leads to further complications. World Alzheimer’s Awareness Month is an initiative that aims to increase awareness of Alzheimer’s disease and educate more people about its symptoms and management.
