What Is World Alzheimer's Month?

World Alzheimer's Month occurs every September, it is an international campaign that aims to challenge stigma and raise awareness about dementia.

First started in 2012, World Alzheimer's Month is ran and coordinated by Alzheimer's Disease International (ADI), the federation for Alzheimer and dementia associations across the globe.

This month of awareness and advocacy coincides with World Alzheimer’s Day, 21st September, which is also when the ADI releases the World Alzheimer's Report.

Why Does a Dementia Diagnosis Matter?

This year’s theme for World Alzheimer's Month is “The Earlier You Know, The More You Can Do: A Dementia Diagnosis Matters”, but why does a dementia diagnosis matter?

The Statistics

Current numbers estimate that there are over 55 million people living with dementia worldwide, a statistic expected to rise to 139 million by 2050.

This global issue also hurts closer to home, where in the UK there are around 1 million people living with dementia. In fact, every 3 minutes someone in the UK develops dementia. By 2040 it is projected that there will be shocking a 40% rise in those living with a form of dementia in the UK, up to 1.4 million people.

So, Why a Diagnosis?

Evidence suggests that receiving a dementia diagnosis can have a hugely positive impact on those living with the disease and their loved ones. According to the ADI, a dementia diagnosis is the key that unlocks much of the necessary support and advice needed on a dementia journey.

Not only does a dementia diagnosis provide much needed practical support, it also gives those affected by dementia a sense of reassurance whilst balancing feelings of shock and grief in the face of this disease.

Despite the well documented impact that a diagnosis can make on those living with and affected by dementia, many individuals are still living without a diagnosis. Alzheimer’s Society report that in the UK, around one-third of those living with dementia do not have a formal diagnosis.

What Can You Do?

The more awareness there is about Alzheimer’s and dementia, the better support those living with and affected by it will have. Anything you can do to raise money, awareness, and fight stigma will help.

This World Alzheimer's Month you can get involved in many ways:

• A donation to a dementia or Alzheimer's charity.
• Organise or participate in fundraising events/campaigns.
• Volunteer your time with the ADI or other Alzheimer's and dementia charities.
• Post on social media.
• Get involved in local dementia events and activities.

Learn more about World Alzheimer's Month on the ADI's website.

To understand what Lumiio does to support those living with dementia and Alzheimer's, view our Dementia Hub or Dementia Collection.