World Alzheimer's Month is the international campaign every September to raise awareness and challenge the stigma that surrounds dementia. September 2019 will mark the 8th World Alzheimer's Month.
Dementia: The facts Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia. Dementia is a term used to describe different brain disorders that affect memory, thinking, behavior and emotion.
Early symptoms of dementia can include memory loss, difficultly performing familiar tasks, problems with language and changes in personality. There is currently no cure for dementia, but a range of support is available for people with dementia and their carers. There are currently estimated to be over 46 million people worldwide living with dementia. The number of people affected is set to rise to over 131 million by 2050.
Dementia is often hidden away, not spoken about, or ignored at a time when the person living with dementia and their family carers are most in need of support within their families, friendship groups and communities. The social stigma is the consequence of a lack of knowledge about dementia and it can have numerous long- and short-term effects, including:
Dehumanisation of the person with dementia
Strain within families and friendships
A lack of sufficient care for people with dementia and their carers
A lower rate of diagnosis of dementia
Delayed diagnosis and support
The stigmatisation of dementia is a global problem and it is clear that the less we talk about dementia, the more the stigma will grow.
During World Alzheimer’s Month we encourage you to find out more and play your part in reducing the stigma and improving the lives of people with dementia and their carers in your community.
To learn more visit https://www.alz.org/