World Alzheimer’s Day’22 observed on Sep 21st aims to raise awareness about the diagnosis of dementia related to Alzheimer and on how to provide supportive care.
- World Alzheimer’s Day 2022 on 21st September throws light on Alzheimer’s disease and dementia
- Dementia is a collection of symptoms caused by the impact on memory, thinking and behavior
- Greater awareness and understanding are important to challenge the myths and stigma that surround dementia
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Unforgettable History of Alzheimer’s Day
Alzheimer’s disease was named after Alois Alzheimer, a German psychiatrist who identified the disease for the first time while treating a German woman in 1901 (1✔ ✔Trusted SourceThe discovery of Alzheimer's disease
Go to source). In 1984, Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI) started to support victims and conducted outreach programs to educate people and expedite related policies. In 1994, ADI introduced World Alzheimer’s Day in Edinburgh during its annual conference on September 21 to mark its 10th anniversary. ADI coordinates World Alzheimer’s Day across the globe along with member organizations and associations to organize events and create awareness (2✔ ✔Trusted Source
Alzheimer’s Disease: Past, Present, and Future
Go to source).
Even in ancient times dementia as a condition was well recognized. The old Testament mentions: “Be kind to your father, even if his mind fail him.” – Old Testament: Sirach 3:12
‘Know Dementia, Know Alzheimer’s’ : 2022 Campaign
Following recent developments and potential breakthroughs, in both dementia treatment and support, this year’s theme, ‘Know Dementia, Know Alzheimer’s’ will aim to highlight the importance of support for people living with dementia(3✔ ✔Trusted SourceAlzheimer’s Disease International. World Alzheimer’s Month
Go to source).
The 2022 campaign is intended to follow on from the 2021 campaign, which focused on the journey of receiving an Alzheimer’s disease or dementia diagnosis, as well as the warning signs of dementia, the continued effect of COVID-19 on the global dementia community, and more.
As we know the stigma around dementia continues to play a significant role in the misconception surrounding it, this September, we will continue to empower more people to join our movement under the campaign message of ‘Together, we can do so much’. By continuing to raise global awareness and knowledge, people, families, communities, and governments are better armed with information and advice to prepare, adapt and support those who are most affected.
What we Should Know About Alzheimer’s and Dementia
Dementia is a term that represents the collection of symptoms caused by disorders affecting the brain and has an impact on memory, thinking, behavior and emotion. The most common is Alzheimer’s disease, which accounts for 50-60% of people with dementia.Other types of dementia are vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia. The damage to nerve cells in dementia makes them no longer able to communicate effectively and this impacts how the body functions (4✔ ✔Trusted Source
Dementia
Go to source).
The specific symptoms a person living with dementia experiences will depend upon what parts of the brain are affected and/or the specific disease that is causing their dementia. Dementia is the leading cause of disability and dependency among the elderly.
The most common symptoms may include memory loss, difficulty in finding the right words or understanding what people are saying; difficulty in performing routine tasks; and this may be associated with changes in personality and mood.
Although each person will experience dementia in their way, eventually those affected will be unable to care for themselves and need help from others in all aspects of daily life.
Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures
In a study it was found that the estimated lifetime risk for Alzheimer's dementia at age 45 was approximately one in five (20%) for women and one in 10 (10%) for men. The risks for both sexes were slightly higher at age 65 (5✔ ✔Trusted SourceGender and incidence of dementia in the Framingham Heart Study from mid-adult life
Go to source).
- 12.7 million people aged 65 years and above are estimated to have Alzheimer’s dementia by 2050.
- 1 in 3 seniors dies with Alzheimer's or another dementia, which is deadlier than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined.
- In 2020, COVID-19 contributed to a 17% increase in Alzheimer's and dementia deaths.
- Dementia has physical, psychological, social, and economic impacts, not only for people affected but also for their caregivers, families, and society at large.
- Dementia mainly affects older people but it is not an inevitable consequence of aging.
- If 'dementia' was a country, it would be the world’s 18th largest economy.
- Currently, there is no cure for most types of dementia, but treatment and support are available.
- The purple color represents Alzheimer’s disease because of the blue and red combination that incorporates the stability of the former and the passionate energy of the latter.
How to Celebrate World Alzheimer's Day 2022?
Spread Awareness
: Share useful information about Alzheimer’s with friends and family or post on social media. Being well-informed about the disease is the first step toward coping with it.Volunteer
: Join a march at your local Alzheimer’s association or find a way to contribute to the activities marking this observance day.Donate
: Encourage individuals and organizations to make donations. Your financial support can go a long way towards raising awareness and organizing events.
References:
- The discovery of Alzheimer's disease - (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3181715/)
- Alzheimer’s Disease: Past, Present, and Future - (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5830188/)
- Alzheimer’s Disease International. World Alzheimer’s Month - (https://www.alzint.org/get-involved/world-alzheimers-month/know-dementia-know-alzheimers/)
- Dementia - (https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/dementia)
- Gender and incidence of dementia in the Framingham Heart Study from mid-adult life - (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24418058/)
Source-Medindia