The international campaign sponsored by Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI), “World Alzheimer’s Day” is a global effort to raise awareness and challenge the stigma that surrounds dementia.
Learn more about September 21, 2019, World Alzheimer’s Day, and how you can make a positive impact for a cure this month.
A Global Fight Against Alzheimer’s Disease
The lack of awareness surrounding Alzheimer’s disease and related forms of dementia is a global problem. In fact, every two out of three people around the world believe there is little or no understanding of dementia in their countries. World Alzheimer’s Day on September 21 strives to raise awareness of the global Alzheimer’s epidemic.
Statistics from the World Alzheimer’s Report show that the Alzheimer’s epidemic is rising across the world:
- By 2050, the number of people living with dementia is expected to rise to 131.5 million
- If global dementia were a country, it would have the 18th largest economy in the world
- Someone in the world develops dementia every three seconds
- The annual cost of the global Alzheimer’s epidemic exceeds the market values of Apple and Google
- There are over 9.9 million new cases of dementia each year
While these statistics are shocking, the unfortunate truth is that only 20-50% of dementia cases are recognized, with the treatment gap being even larger in low-income countries.
Fighting Alzheimer’s Stigma on World Alzheimer’s Day
There’s no doubt that the Alzheimer’s epidemic is a global threat to financial, mental, and physical health. So, how do you affect global change locally?
Try these ideas on September 21 and take a step towards a cure:
1. Call your local representative.
Pick up the phone or write a letter to your Congressperson and let them know that you care about government funds being directed to Alzheimer’s research.
2. Host an awareness event for your community or workplace.
Bring in a guest speaker to your local community venue or workplace. Have pamphlets, a way for people to donate to the cause, and even a Q&A forum for people to ask questions about the disease. This will give people a safe place to learn the truth about Alzheimer’s and dementia.
3. Participate in a Walk to End Alzheimer’s.
The Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s disease care, research, and support. It is held annually in over 600 communities across the United States. Find a walk in your community, register, and start fundraising!
4. Share your story.
One of the most powerful ways to combat the stigma surrounding Alzheimer’s is to share your own story. It may seem small to you, but when we speak the truth about our journeys and lives with dementia, it changes the way people see the disease. It attaches a face and name to a global epidemic and that can evoke a global movement.
5. Wear purple.
Purple is the chosen color of Alzheimer’s disease. To raise awareness, wear purple and let people know why.
How will you raise Alzheimer’s awareness and funds this World Alzheimer’s Day? Share your ideas and stories with us in the comments below. We’d love to hear from you.
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