WORLD ALZHEIMER’S DAY

World Alzheimer’s Day on September 21st occurs during World Alzheimer’s Month. On World Alzheimer’s Day, health organizations across the globe focus their efforts on raising awareness about this disease.

The first diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease was in 1906. Alzheimer’s is a progressive brain disorder. It slowly destroys memory and thinking skills. Eventually, when someone has Alzheimer’s, they lose the ability to carry out simple tasks. Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia. At this time, science hasn’t found a cure, nor is there a way to prevent the disease.

An estimated 44 million people in the world have Alzheimer’s disease. Of all the places in the world, Alzheimer’s disease is most common in Western Europe. North America is close behind. In the United States, 5.5 million people have the disease. Every 66 seconds, someone in the U.S. receives an Alzheimer’s diagnosis.

As the population ages, a higher percentage will be affected by Alzheimer’s. For example, beyond the age of 65, the prevalence of Alzheimer’s doubles every five years. It’s predicted that by the year 2050, 16 million people in the U.S. will have Alzheimer’s.

Alzheimer’s is the 6th leading cause of death in the country. Around the world, it’s the 7th deadliest. Additionally, the condition causes more disability and poor health than any other disease. When someone receives an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, their life expectancy is between 4 to 8 years.

Not only does the person with Alzheimer’s suffer, but their caregivers and family members have a difficult time as well. Caregivers often experience emotional and financial difficulties. Their physical health also declines. The global cost of Alzheimer’s disease is over $6 billion. By 2050, the disease is expected to cost over $1 trillion in the United States alone.

HOW TO OBSERVE #WorldAlzheimersDay

Many health organizations hold Alzheimer’s walks on World Alzheimer’s Day. Communities throughout the world hold seminars and public events to spread awareness about Alzheimer’s. In the past, buildings have been lit purple, the color of Alzheimer’s awareness.