September marks World Alzheimer’s Month – a movement founded by Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI) to shatter the stigma surrounding the illness.
The theme of this year’s event is ‘never too early, never too late’ which acts as a powerful reminder that even the smallest amount of action can make a difference.
Against this backdrop, ADI have launched a global awareness campaign that coincides with World Alzheimer’s Month. The scheme encourages people to use the hashtags #AskAboutAlzheimers and #AskAboutDementia on social media.
‘This World Alzheimer’s Month we are encouraging everyone, everywhere to ask questions about Alzheimer’s disease and dementia,’ Paola Barbarino, chief of ADI, told Social Care Today. ‘Too often, people feel unable or intimidated to ask even the most basic questions. We want to make it clear, ask as many questions as you need to.
‘Seeking out accurate information and deepening understanding, means people are better equipped to respond and adapt themselves, better able to support people living with dementia, to reduce risk and to prepare for and manage the condition.’
Retire the myth: not simply a part of ageing
While there is no cure for dementia, developing the disease is not inevitable – a fact unknown to many. According to ADI up to 45% of cases could be delayed or prevented by cutting out bad habits such as smoking and addressing cases of high blood pressure sooner.
‘People often think nothing can be done, which feeds fear and hopelessness,’ Paola continued. ‘The reality is very different. There are things we can all do to reduce risk, some of which are lifestyle changes like smoking cessation and keeping active. Combined with emerging treatments and therapies, support exists to help people live well. What we need now is political will to ensure access to these supports for everyone, no matter where they live.’
The next steps
To give context into how badly intervention is needed, only 23% of the 194 World Health Organisation Member States have implemented a national dementia plan, despite the disease being on track to become the third leading cause of death globally by 2040 and the leading cause in 19 countries. These include the UK, Spain, France, Australia, the Netherlands and Japan.
However, Paola explained that Japan is fighting back with a re-committed new national plan – a move many countries could learn from. What’s more, 17 million people in the country have also registered to take part in Dementia Friends – an initiative created by Alzheimer’s Society to change public perceptions of dementia.
Shockingly, the commitment doesn’t end there. In 2014 the Japan Dementia Working Gorup was established and over the last 11 years members have spoken at the national legislature, central and local governments.
This year’s World Alzheimer’s Month comes ahead of the UN high-level meeting on non-communicable diseases (NCD) and mental health, where governments are set to debate future strategies on prevention and care. The discussion is due to take place on 25th September, and the ADI are encouraging everyone to do everything possible to ensure dementia is included in the discussion – a milestone that is yet to be reached.
‘Every year of inaction condemns millions more people living in the dark,’ Paola said. ‘If governments put dementia at the centre of NCD strategies, public attitudes would shift with it.’
Later on this month, the 18th September to be exact, ADI are launching their annual World Alzheimer’s Report via a webinar, of which you can register to attend here. Likewise, further ways to get involved in World Alzheimer’s Month can be found on ADI’s website.
Image via Shutterstock.
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