World Alzheimer’s Day

What is World Alzheimer’s Day?

World Alzheimer’s Day is a global campaign to raise dementia awareness. It’s an opportunity for people to learn about dementia and how they can help those who are affected by it.

Every year, organisations and individuals use their platforms to raise money, share experiences, and focus on ways to improve the lives of those living with Alzheimer’s.

When is World Alzheimer’s Day?

The 21st of September is marked as World Alzheimer’s Day each year. It coincides with World Alzheimer’s Month, which also occurs in September.

What is the theme of World Alzheimer’s Day?

The theme of World Alzheimer’s Day 2022 is the power of knowledge. This is also the theme of Alzheimer’s Awareness Month.

Understanding dementia, how it affects people, the warning signs, and how to support those who have it is critical to many people’s well-being.

The theme emphasises the importance of understanding all aspects of the disease.

How did World Alzheimer’s Day start?

Alois Alzheimer, a pathologist and researcher, first described an “unusual disease of the cerebral cortex” which he discovered in a person named Auguste in 1906.

Until they died, this disease caused symptoms such as memory loss, disorientation, and hallucinations. Alzheimer identified the post-mortem brain abnormalities he discovered as new and previously unseen.

However, nothing else happened at this point. In a book of psychiatry published in 1910, Kraepelin named the disease “Alzheimer’s Disease.”

Alzheimer’s Disease International was founded in 1984 to explore and raise awareness of the disease.

In 1994, the organisation celebrated its tenth anniversary and declared World Alzheimer’s Day, which was first observed on September 21st.

How to take part in World Alzheimer’s Day

World Alzheimer’s Day is a significant event in which you can participate as an individual or at your workplace.

Here are a few ideas for how to celebrate World Alzheimer’s Day and raise awareness:

Be aware of the sensitivity of the subject

Alzheimer’s disease can be a sensitive topic for many people, whether they are experiencing it themselves or are supporting someone close to them who is.

It is critical to approach the subject with caution and to have support available for those who may be impacted by Alzheimer’s.

Focus on the support available

Support is an important aspect of dementia, and it can be difficult to access appropriate physical, mental, and financial assistance.

The Alzheimer’s Society provides a list of support resources divided into four categories:

• Daily living
• Help with care
• Staying independent
• Legal and financial

Make sure to signpost to this information and have mental health support available for those who may be affected indirectly by Alzheimer’s.

Raise money

Participating in events and fundraising is a great way to get involved with Alzheimer’s Awareness Day.

Consider asking your team for suggestions on World Alzheimer’s Day activities, as they may already be thinking of ways to help the cause.

Whether you want to participate in an official Alzheimer’s Society event or organise your own and donate, it’s a fantastic way to support dementia charities.

Use social media

Every year, there is a hashtag for the day, which is:

#WorldAlzheimersDay

Share resources, events, research, and more on social media to help support and participate in the day.

Because social media reach can be enormous, just one person seeing something you’ve posted or shared can help spread the word.

Learn about dementia

Learning more about the disease is crucial because it provides awareness of warning signs, how it affects people, and the best way to support those experiencing it.

The greater the number of people who understand and support Alzheimer’s disease, the better.

The Alzheimer’s Society UK has compiled easily accessible resources, factsheets, and booklets to encourage everyone to learn more about dementia.

Revisit policies and support at work

Many people at work may be caregivers for someone who has dementia, which can be a task with emotional, physical, and mental impacts.

It is critical to provide appropriate support for carers in the workplace so that they can maintain a sense of work-life balance, and feel supported by their employer in managing their personal circumstances too.

Many people with Alzheimer’s continue to work, especially in the early stages of the disease, so having flexible work policies in place to support their good days, bad days, and healthcare appointments is essential.

If you’re looking for help for carers or employees dealing with an illness at work, contact us today to see how we can support.