World Alzheimer's Month

World Alzheimer's Month - September 2024

Health Awareness Educational Mental Health

It’s always a good idea to be informed. That’s why World Alzheimer’s Month in September is such an important observance.

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, affecting about 6 percent of people 65 and older. Although it may seem like just a typical disease for older people — it is, in fact, not a normal part of aging. Scientists don’t know what causes Alzheimer’s, but they suspect it’s a combination of many factors. The disease affects parts of the brain that control memory, thought, and language. There is no cure, but experts think that lowering blood pressure, exercising, and not smoking may reduce the risk. Let’s take a closer look at this event, and learn more about the disease.

World Alzheimer's Month timeline

​1994

​World Alzheimer's Day was first observed

​Alzheimer Disease International, founded in 1984, announced the first World Alzheimer's Day, to be observed on September 21.

​1901

Alzheimer identified the first case

German psychiatrist Alois Alzheimer identified the first case of what would later become known as Alzheimer's disease. The patient was a 50-year-old German woman.

1600

​Shakespeare wrote about it

In the late 1500s and early 1600s, William Shakespeare mentioned the loss of mental acuity in old age in some of his great plays, including "Hamlet" and "King Lear."

​​7th Century BC

​Pythagoras spoke of "a human lifespan"

Greek philosopher Pythagoras described the later years of human life as the "senium," or a period of mental and physical decline.

5 Important Facts About Alzheimer's Disease​

  1. ​It's a killer

    About one in three seniors dies with Alzheimer's or another type of dementia — more than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined.​

  2. ​Deaths are increasing

    ​Since 2000, deaths from Alzheimer's disease have increased by more than 120 percent.

  3. Alzheimer's will affect more and more Americans

    ​If current projections are accurate, by the year 2050, the number of Americans suffering from Alzheimer's disease will reach nearly 14 million.

  4. ​Women are most likely to be affected

    ​Statistics show that about two-thirds of Americans with Alzheimer's disease are women.

  5. ​Hispanics are more susceptible

    Statistics also show that ​Hispanics are about one-and-a-half times as likely to have Alzheimer's disease (or other dementias) as older, white, non-Hispanics.

How to Observe World Alzheimer's Month

  1. Get involved

    Many Alzheimer's organizations offer toolkits with which you can help spread the word. For example, you can print and distribute material.

  2. Make a donation

    There are several ways to contribute to Alzheimer's groups. You can donate monthly, or you can give a one-time gift in the name of someone you love with a so-called "tribute" donation.

  3. Volunteer at an Alzheimer's event

    Consider participating in an Alzheimer's "awareness walk." Perhaps you could volunteer to take part in a clinical trial. Find your local Alzheimer's chapter and see what you can do.

Why World Alzheimer's Month is Important

  1. Education is our best weapon

    The only way to stay ahead of Alzheimer's is to arm ourselves with knowledge. That way we can take better care of ourselves and our loved ones in the hopes of preventing this disease.

  2. It affects millions

    In 2015, Alzheimer's resulted in the deaths of about 1.9 million people. It's one of the most costly diseases.

  3. There is always hope

    Although there is no known cure, there is always hope for a breakthrough. That's why it's so important to stay informed. World Alzheimer's Month is one big way to keep the conversation going.

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