World Alzheimer's Day takes place on 21 September and is part of World Alzheimer's Month. This year, they are talking about dementia – and urging everyone to join in the conversation by becoming Dementia Friends.
World Alzheimer’s Day takes place every year on 21
September. It is the focus of World Alzheimer's Month during the month of
September.
Globally, dementia is one of the biggest challenges we
face, with nearly 50 million people living with dementia worldwide. To tackle
this global dementia challenge, we need to work together, and to collaborate
and share best practices with one another.
Therefore, Alzheimer's Society has committed to work
with partners on global research and campaigning, as well as sharing our
learning, best practice, and experience with one another.
This World Alzheimer's Month, we're asking you to
break the silence around dementia. You can join our Dementia Friends movement, or
help by sharing the link with friends, family, and colleagues.
Alzheimer’s is a mystifying disease that can strike
older adults 65 and up, and even begin in adults as young as 50. Every
September 21, World Alzheimer’s Day, recognized globally, aims to raise
awareness of the disease, and challenge the common stigma that surrounds
Alzheimer-related dementia. Studies have shown that on average, 2 out of every
3 people worldwide have little to no understanding of Alzheimer’s.
Here are a few interesting facts and tidbits related
to Alzheimer’s.
· Currently,
There is No Cure for Alzheimer’s.
· More
than 100 years after the disease was discovered in 1906 by Dr. Alois Alzheimer,
the origin of Alzheimer’s is still largely a mystery, although countless
studies have been done and there are varied explanations. What we know is that
there is no cure or way to stop its progression. However, there are ways to
treat the symptoms.
· Growing
Older Doesn’t Mean Dementia is Given.
· There’s
a perception that as we age, losing our memory and mental faculties is a given.
· Our
brains and bodies age, and therefore we lose our sharpness. While the mind of a
centenarian won’t be the same as a 20-year-old or even a 50-year-old, there’s
nothing that suggests that older adults are destined to be plagued with
Alzheimer’s or any other form of dementia as they age.
· Eating
and Exercise Habits May Have Some Effect on Alzheimer’s.
· Several
years ago, Maria Shriver, who has become the de facto spokesperson for
Alzheimer’s reported on an experimental program that has shown to reverse the
early onset of the disease. Called the Bredesen Program and developed by a
California neurologist, it consists of consuming a Mediterranean diet high in
fat and low in carbs, doing regular cardio-based workouts, fasting after
dinner, getting proper sleep, taking supplements and engaging in brain training
exercises. Dr. Bredesen claims that 9 out of 10 of his patients have improved
cognitive functioning after participating in his program, but that it only
works for those with early-onset symptoms.
· Women,
are more likely to develop Alzheimer’s—two out of three of the 5.5 million
Americans who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s are female. No one is
exactly sure why women tend to develop it more than men, but some studies
suggest that education and professional work opportunities, or lack thereof,
could be a contributing factor. However, the closing gap in educational and
occupational between men and women may also mean that the gender gap in
Alzheimer’s diagnoses are also getting smaller
The Alzheimer’s Association is a good source to read
up on what scientific studies have been done to date. You and your family
members can help be part of the solution by participating in a study, as
scientists always need good candidates (both cognitive and non-cognitive
impaired). Sign up through the Alzheimer’s
Prevention Registry
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