What is World Alzheimer’s Month?
It is the global campaign which takes place every September. In September, individuals unite from around the world to raise awareness of this disease, encourage support for and to challenge the stigma around dementia.
According to the Alzheimer’s Society, this theme this year is ‘Know dementia, know Alzheimer’s’. So, that is just one reason why it is vitally important to recognise the signs of this disease to ensure everyone receives the help and care they deserve.
What is Alzheimer’s Disease?
In short, it is a type of brain disorder that causes problems with thinking, memory and behaviour. The condition progresses gradually and so do the signs and symptoms.
Alzheimer’s disease is the most frequent cause of dementia. According to Dementia UK, ‘around 60% of dementia diagnoses in the UK are for Alzheimer’s’. Mixed dementia is when you have Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia or dementia with Lewy bodies.
Our risk of developing this condition increases as we age. Most people with it are over the age of 65. However, sometimes younger people can develop early-onset Alzheimer’s.
Findings from Alzheimer’s Research UK has shown that the proteins: amyloid and tau are involved in the development of Alzheimer’s and these increase and damage more brain cells. The damage affects our brains and this triggers the symptoms of the disease.
First Signs
At the start, the main symptom of Alzheimer’s disease is memory lapses.
An individual with early Alzheimer’s disease might:
- forget about recent events
- lose their possessions
- forget place names and what objects are called
- find it difficult to remember the right word
- ask questions on repeat
- find it tough to make decisions
- become less willing to try new things
To find out about how these signs progress, go to this website:
Alzheimer’s disease – Symptoms – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Why is the Campaign Important?
Dementia is one of the most widespread challenges we are met with on a global scale. The Alzheimer’s Society have said that there are ‘nearly 50 million people living with dementia worldwide’. World Alzheimer’s Month is a chance for us to work together and share our knowledge and resources with others. We can not only spread awareness of the disease, but also encourage others to support relevant charities. We need to fund further research as there is no cure. Furthermore, the number of people with dementia is set to rise. Just look at this prediction…
This number will almost double every 20 years, reaching 82 million in 2030 and 152 million in 2050.
Dementia statistics | Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI) (alzint.org)
Get Involved
Aside from learning about dementia, one of the quickest ways you can support those with Alzheimer’s disease is by donating. This could be your time to help out in care homes or even just a cash donation.
Charities Givey Supports
To find out more about the relevant charities Givey supports, follow these links…
Alzheimer’s Support is a local charity which exists to improve quality of life of families affected by dementia in Wiltshire. https://www.givey.com/alzsupport
Together Dementia Support are here to help people to live positively with Dementia in Manchester and Trafford. https://www.givey.com/togetherdementiasupport –
The Corstorphine Dementia Project are a community based charity that offers day services to people living with dementia in Corstorphine and its surrounding area. https://www.givey.com/cordempro
Buddies Dementia Café provides entertainment, support and friendship for people living with dementia and their carers. https://www.givey.com/buddiesdementiacafe
Eastwood Memory Café is a not for profit organisation helping those affected by dementia, and their carers, to live well. https://www.givey.com/eastwoodmemorycafe
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