Alzheimer's disease which is a form of dementia is a very serious disease across the world today. And to raise awareness regarding this disease to the common people the world observes the World Alzheimer's Day annually on 21st September.
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease that usually starts slowly and progressively worsens. It is the cause of 60–70% of all the cases of dementia.
When we think of Alzheimer's we immediately think of the symptom of difficulty in remembering things and which is the most common but there is more to Alzheimer's than this.
| Event | World Alzheimer's Day |
|---|---|
| Date | September 21, 2022 |
| Day | Wednesday |
| Significance | The day raises awareness World Alzheimer's Day |
| Observed by | World wide |
World Alzheimer's Day History:
The ancient civilizations like Greek and Roman philosophers and physicians associated old age with increasing dementia because of lack of awareness as science didn't advanced that time. And because of this people having Alzheimer's disease suffered greatly through our history without any proper treatment until the modern century.
As it was not until 1901 that German psychiatrist Alois Alzheimer identified the first case of what became known as Alzheimer's disease, named after him, in a fifty-year-old woman he called Auguste D. He followed her case until she died in 1906 when he first reported publicly on it. During the next five years, eleven similar cases were reported in the medical field, some of them already using the term Alzheimer's disease for it.
For most of the 20th century, the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease was reserved for individuals between the ages of 45 and 65 who developed symptoms of dementia. The terminology changed after 1977 when a conference on Alzheimer's disease concluded that the clinical and pathological manifestations of presenile and senile dementia were found to be almost identical.
Founded in 1984, Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI) is charged with supporting victims and conducting awareness campaigns to educate people and also to introduce related policies. In 1994, ADI introduced World Alzheimer’s Day in Edinburgh during their annual conference on September 21 to mark their 10th anniversaey since they began their operations.
World Alzheimer's Day Significance:
For increasing the awareness and to gain people's attention the ADI launched the World Alzheimer Report’ in 2009 on World Alzheimer’s Day and yearly reports have been issued every year since. Although the impact of the observance is spreading, still the information gap and stigmatization concerning dementia remains an issue. As many people doesn't take it serious and associates with old age problems.
The course of Alzheimer's disease is generally divided into three stages, with a progressive pattern of cognitive and functional impairment. The three stages are described as early or mild, middle or moderate, and late or severe. And it is very important that a person should be treated at a first stage as after in a late stage this disease is very likely to turn out fatal for the patient.
The early symptom of Alzheimer's disease is obviously mostly starts with having difficulty in remembering recent events but as the disease advances its symptoms grow as well which include problems with language, disorientation (including easily getting lost), mood swings, loss of motivation, self-neglect, and behavioral issues. As a result patient often withdraw from family and society. This deteriorates physical health leading to death.
Hence it is very important to create awareness regarding this serious and prevalent disease among the people. And this day does that only it gives a platform to all of the organizations associated with working of Alzheimer's disease to raise their voices regarding the disease thus awaring people and also gathering funds to support their operations.
World Alzheimer's Day 2022 Theme:
World Alzheimer's Day this year’s theme in 2022 "Know Dementia, Know Alzheimer's" continues on from the 2021 campaign, which focused on diagnosis, the warning signs of dementia, the continued effect of COVID-19 on the global dementia community and more.
In 2022, the campaign will have a special focus on post-diagnostis support. Following recent developments and potential breakthroughs, in both dementia treatment and support, the campaign will aim to highlight the importance of support for people living with dementia and families following a diagnosis.
Most Searched FAQs on World Alzheimer's Day:
1. When is World Alzheimer's Day is observed?
World Alzheimer's Day is annually observed on 21st of September.
2. What month is Alzheimer's Month?
September is celebrated as the World Alzheimer's Month.
3. What is the ribbon color for Alzheimer's?
Purple is the official color of the Alzheimer's movement.