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To many, September is the official end of summer and the start of fall. But there is more. September is also World Alzheimer’s Month, and September 21 is World Alzheimer’s Day.
Alzheimer’s may be known, but it is misunderstood and since topics surrounding dementia remain unaddressed, Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI) hosts an annual campaign to raise awareness and break stigmas because it affects more than 55 million people and their families worldwide. Local communities and organizations to unite sufferers, caregivers, and the media to work together to challenge stigmas surrounding the disease.
Raising awareness for dementia during World Alzheimer’s Day
Global dementia cases are rising, so it is essential to have difficult conversations, get diagnosed early and support research dedicated to finding a cure. Here is what you can do to raise awareness on 21st of September!
1. Host a local event
Organizing a community event, such as a march for charity or an awareness workshop, to inform others about dementia can make a difference. Such campaigns can bring people together and raise awareness and funds for research.
2. Be vocal on social media
Use your socials and spread accurate information and personal insight about dementia. Sharing key statistics can encourage your peer network to educate themselves about the disease.
3. Volunteer at a memory care center
When you volunteer at a local nursing home or memory care center, you can support those living with dementia. It’s a fulfilling way to make a positive impact.
4. Write an Op-Ed or blog post
Participate in the conversation by writing about dementia awareness in your neighborhood newspaper or web blog. You can reach a wider audience globally and inspire action among others.
5. Participate in a Webinar or Virtual Event
You can gain valuable insights and stay informed about the latest research when you join an online seminar led by experts on Alzheimer’s and dementia. You can then share these findings on your socials.
6. Wear purple on September 21st
For Alzheimer’s awareness, purple is the official color. Encouraging your friends, family, and coworkers to wear purple on World Alzheimer’s Day is a simple yet powerful statement.
7. Donate to Alzheimer’s research
If it is financially possible for you, consider make a monetary contribution to institutions focused on Alzheimer’s research or patient care. Your donation helps advance critical studies and supports those affected by the disease.
Why the need for yearly World Alzheimer’s Day campaigns?
Dementia maybe common among the elderly, however it is normal for aging and is a major cause of dependency. While the patient suffers psychologically, there are social, physical and economic effects on their families and society.
Families are majorly concerned with overcoming the stigmas, with 2 out of 3 people believing there is little awareness of this ailment. he primary reason for stigma is the lack of a cure, and the behaviors linked to dementia can be uncomfortable to witness and experience.
What does ADI hope to achieve?
Since the first launch of World Alzheimer’s Day in 1994, ADI wants everyone suffering from the disease to take a proactive approach as soon as the diagnosis. By being aware that not all need to be a doom and gloom situation and that daily activities can make a difference.
Alzheimer’s Day Campaigns: How can you get involved?
You can support the World Alzheimer’s Day campaign theme and messaging during September and discuss dementia issues with your friends, family, and colleagues. You can also plan your own event and get the campaign materials from ADI. But if you’re unable to run your own event, you can participate in your national Alzheimer’s charity. Or, simply spread the word on social media using #WorldAlzMonth.
A few ideas on events that you can host:
- Alzheimer Café – Dementia patients and their carers get-together for psycho-social support.
- Stopping a clock – Get a famous clock in your city to halt on 21 September for a minute.
- Send World Alzheimer’s Day merch to local television shows and ask tv personalities to wear them while on air. Get them to highlight that there’s no Alzheimer’s cure but treatment helps people live better lives.
- Perhaps get your mayor or president to officially declare 21 September as World Alzheimer’s Day.
- Schedule a public hearing or seminar discussing breaking stigmas surrounding dementia.
- Speak to businesses in your town and see if they’d be willing to raise awareness and speak about the disease in their circle. It’s important to highlight Alzheimer’s treatment methods to evoke empathy for what people go through.
- You could arrange a religious or secular service to acknowledge people with dementia. A candlelight ceremony is a special way to bring awareness to this subject.
- Host a virtual event. This alleviates the problem of the inability to attend due to time constraints or not being close enough to an event.
- Arrange with radio stations to speak to their listeners about the disease.
- Contact local schools and arrange a talk to raise awareness.
- Get in touch with businesses in large buildings and see if they’d be willing to decorate the building in matching colors, decorate with Alzheimer’s ribbons, etc.
- Arrange with your local newspaper to interview someone with dementia or a carer to speak about how to eliminate stigmas.
Holding a Alzheimer’s World Day ceremony at a retirement home
Hosting an Alzheimer’s World Day ceremony at a retirement home creates a meaningful opportunity for residents, staff, and families to come together in support of dementia awareness. Through shared activities like memory care workshops and educational talks, attendees can gain valuable insights while fostering a sense of community. These ceremonies not only honor those affected by Alzheimer’s but also promote empathy and understanding across generations.
World Alzheimer’s Day 2024: Practicing what you preach
- Start by educating yourself
Try researching Alzheimer’s through reputable sources like the Alzheimer’s Association or World Health Organization. When you understand the basics, it can help you provide accurate information to other, especially family members.
- Tune into Expert-Led Podcasts
Listening to podcasts by renowned neurologists, caregivers, and researchers is the best way to deepen your knowledge regarding dementia or Alzheimer’s. You can find valuable insights and updates on the latest in Alzheimer’s research and care strategies, and how they can be tackled as a family member.
- Share What You Learn on Social Media
Use your voice on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or even Tiktok to spread awareness about Alzheimer’s after educating yourself. Sharing key facts, infographics, or personal reflections can inspire your network to get involved.
- Engage in Meaningful Conversations
Look forward to talking to friends and family about what you’ve learned can break the silence around Alzheimer’s. Try to encourage open discussions on prevention, early diagnosis, and how to support those living with dementia.
- Lead by Example with Empathy
Practicing what you preach also means showing empathy toward those affected by Alzheimer’s. Whether you are volunteering, supporting a loved one, or joining advocacy efforts, your actions can greatly inspire others to do the same.
Final thoughts
While there are nearly 10 million new cases each year, making life worth living for your loved one is possible. Educating yourself and those around you is pivotal and you can do it by attending events through an Alzheimer’s Awareness charity or virtual events dedicated to World Alzheimer’s Day.
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FAQs
Who started world Alzheimer’s Day?
World Alzheimer’s Day was founded in 1994 to be observed each year on September 21 by Alzheimer’s Disease International.
How to celebrate World Alzheimer’s Day?
Some meaningful ways to commemorate World Alzheimer’s day include:
- Learning more about Alzheimer’s disease and the various stages of the illness.
- Sharing information about Alzheimer’s disease with friends and family members.
- Supporting research initiatives that are working to find a cure for Alzheimer’s disease.
- Volunteering with or donating money to an organization that provides support to people living with Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers.
- Spending time with someone who is living with the illness and offering your support.
Is June Alzheimer’s awareness month?
Yes, June is a month that is dedicated to promoting and creating awareness about Alzheimer’s. It is also Brain Awareness month. The primary focus is to share awareness and offer people a chance to educate in regard to the cognitive condition that many seniors face!
What are the colors for Alzheimer’s?
Some of the most commonly cited colors associated with Alzheimer’s are purple, blue, and green. While the theme of Alzheimer’s changes from year to year, the generic color associated with Alzheimer’s is purple.
