World Alzheimer’s Day 2023: World Alzheimer’s Day is observed globally on September 21 every year. This day represents a worldwide effort to raise awareness of Alzheimer’s disease. It also seeks to remove the stigma associated with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.
World Alzheimer’s Day 2023: date and theme
Alzheimer’s disease is a degenerative brain disease that impairs memory, reasoning and behavior. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia, according to the World Health Organization, it accounts for 60-70% of cases. The condition worsens over time and begins to interfere with daily life and activities.
The theme for World Alzheimer’s Day 2023, as proposed by Alzheimer’s Disease International, for the month-long celebration is “Never too early, never too late”. According to Alzheimer’s Disease International, “The Never Too Soon, Never Too Late campaign aims to emphasize the critical role of identifying risk factors and implementing proactive risk reduction measures to delay and potentially even prevent the onset of dementia. This includes ongoing risk-reduction initiatives for people who have already been diagnosed.”
World Alzheimer’s Day 2023: History
Alzheimer’s Disease International, an organization founded in 1984 with the aim of helping Alzheimer’s patients around the world and providing appropriate care. On September 21, 1994, Alzheimer’s Disease International and the World Health Organization established World Alzheimer’s Day. It was announced in Edinburgh to mark the 10th anniversary of Alzheimer’s International. Since then, September 21 has been celebrated worldwide every year as World Alzheimer’s Day.
World Alzheimer’s Day 2023: Significance
The day is celebrated to educate people about the causes, symptoms and treatment of chronic diseases. The day also debunks myths about Alzheimer’s disease, and people come together to learn and support people and families affected by the disease.
World Alzheimer’s Day 2023: The difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia
Alzheimer’s disease and dementia have many similarities, but they are not the same. The table below will help you understand the key differences between these two medical conditions:
Category | Alzheimer’s disease | Dementia |
Definition | Alzheimer’s disease is a brain disorder caused by the accumulation of abnormal proteins that leads to the death of brain cells and cognitive decline. | Dementia is a general term for the decline of a person’s cognitive functions. |
Types | It is a type of dementia. | Alzheimer’s disease Vascular Dementia Lewy body etc |
Symptoms |
| Same as Alzheimer’s disease or can vary depending on the cause of dementia. |
Treatment | There are no permanent cures for Alzheimer’s disease, but it can be temporarily alleviated. | It is mainly advised to manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Also, treatment options depend entirely on the cause of the disease. |
In conclusion, World Alzheimer’s Day is an opportunity to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s disease. It advocates the importance of early detection, support and medical research for a cure. The day also aims to remove the stigma surrounding dementia to increase understanding and encourage global initiatives to improve the lives of Alzheimer’s patients.
Important days and dates in September 2023
Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education