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Alzheimer’s disease is the cleverest thief because she not only steals from you, but she steals the very thing you need to remember what’s been stolen.

Jarod Kintz

Millions of families struggle with challenges due to Alzheimer’s disease. The world lights up purple on World Alzheimer’s day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about Alzheimer’s and dementia. Every three seconds someone in the world develops dementia/Alzheimer’s, according to the Alzheimer Disease International (ADI). So because of this, organizations around the world come together on this day to support finding a cure for this sorrowful disease.

History of World Alzheimer’s Day

Originally, this day is part of World Alzheimer’s Month, where organizations coordinate to create global messages about dementia for the media, key stakeholders and policy makers. The decision to introduce the full month was made to enable national and local Alzheimer associations worldwide to extend the reach of their awareness programs and events. For instance, organizations like thepurpleelephant.com light up city buildings in Toronto, Niagara, Chicago, New Orleans, and Vancouver in the color purple to enact this day. For the month celebration, these organizations come together to create themes of conversation to help others recognize the effect of Alzheimer’s and dementia.

The day however was launched in 1994 to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Alzheimer Disease International (ADI) association, which empowers other organizations with research and updated knowledge about Alzheimer’s and dementia. ADI is the international federation of Alzheimer associations around the world, in official relations with the World Health Organization. It holds international conferences and holds the Alzheimer University, a series of practical workshops to help staff and volunteers. This is all made to help educate people about the effects of Alzheimer’s and dementia and what people can do about it. Because essentially, these issues, especially among the elderly can no longer be ignored.

How to celebrate World Alzheimer’s Day

To participate in this day, you can donate money to a trusted organization like ADI and the Purple Elephant. If they have events you can attend nearby, try it out. Most of the time they do walks or educational convention, but they’re good for spreading awareness. If a family member or friend that’s close to you is starting to have dementia/Alzheimer’s, look up online about what you can do to help them and be positive support for others who are struggling.

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