World Alzheimer’s Month

Each year during this month, people from all over the globe, as individuals or part of large organizations, are encouraged to work together and unite over the common goal of promoting the cause of Alzheimer’s through education, awareness, research and more.

History of World Alzheimer’s Month

The issues surrounding Alzheimer’s disease have been prevalent in cultural conversation for many decades now. But there is still more to learn, more awareness to be raised, more support to be given and more research to be done!

World Alzheimer’s Month is a global initiative that was started in 2012 by Alzheimer’s Disease International with the purpose of introducing more opportunities for advocacy and increased awareness, not only in particular places, but united all around the planet.

This event acts in partnership with the original observance of World Alzheimer’s Day that was started in 1994 and takes place annually on September 21.

With the goal of creating a world where Alzheimer’s holds less sway over so many people’s lives – or, even better, is altogether preventable or curable – World Alzheimer’s Day provides a platform to foster conversation that leads to action.

How to Celebrate World Alzheimer’s Month

Take a look at some of these ideas for participating with World Alzheimer’s Month:

Support an Alzheimer’s Disease Charity

Get on board with celebrating this important event by making a donation or signing up to be a volunteer with a non-profit organization that supports people with Alzheimer’s and their families. Check out some of these groups that are doing good work:

• Alzheimer’s Association
• Alzheimer’s Disease International
• Cure Alzheimer’s Fund
• Alzheimer’s Foundation of America

Debunk Myths About Alzheimer’s Disease

One of the goals behind this initiative is to make sure that the public is correctly informed and knows how to act appropriately in relation to the issues of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. A good way to start is by learning some of the common myths about this illness and then gaining a better understanding of the truth. In honor of World Alzheimer’s Month, take some time to consider some of these common misunderstandings, then don’t forget to start a conversation that creates opportunities to share the truth with your community:

• Myth: Alzheimer’s disease and dementia are the same thing
  Truth: Although it is the most common form, Alzheimer’s is just one type of dementia but each has its own diagnosis and forms of treatment
• Myth: If a parent has Alzheimer’s disease, I will definitely get it
  Truth: The genetic risk factor is higher in biological children of those who have Alzheimer’s but it does not necessarily mean the child will get it
• Myth: Alzheimer’s disease and dementia are a normal part of aging
  Truth: While it is common to become a bit forgetful with age, most of the symptoms of Alzheimer’s – like not recognizing family members, losing track of the date or making poor judgments – are not part of normal aging
• Myth: Alzheimer’s disease is not treatable
  Truth: It’s true that there is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s, but there are many drug and non-drug interventions that can help patients with this disease