That’s the call for action for this year’s World Alzheimer’s Month Campaign, held every September to raise awareness about the impact of Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia worldwide. Now in its 15th year, this global campaign highlights the need for more education, support, and research worldwide.

Dementia is an “umbrella” term used to describe over 100 different conditions that impair memory, behavior and thinking. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia in older adults, accounting for 60-80% of all dementias.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO):

  • Over fifty-five million people currently live with dementia worldwide.
  • That number is expected to rise to 139 million by 2050.
  • Someone develops dementia every 3 seconds.

Despite these overwhelming statistics, understanding of dementia remains low as a result
of misconceptions and stigma which can prevent people from getting a diagnosis and accessing the support and services they need.

According to a World Alzheimer’s Report:

  • 80% of the general public and 65% of healthcare professionals believe that dementia is a normal part of aging.
  • 35% of caregivers across the world say that they have hidden a family member’s diagnosis of dementia.
  • 46% of people living with dementia and caregivers identify fear of diagnosis and stigma as barriers to getting a diagnosis.
  • 85% of people living with dementia do so without post-diagnostic support.

It’s important to know the facts:

While age is the greatest risk factor for developing Alzheimer’s disease, Alzheimer’s is not a normal part of aging. It is a progressive neurological disease that affects memory, thinking, behavior, and the ability to perform everyday tasks. As a person ages, changes occur in all parts of the body, including the brain. However, there is a difference between normal age-related forgetfulness and Alzheimer’s or other types of dementia.

Awareness is critical. Many people don’t recognize the signs of Alzheimer’s or know how to support loved ones living with the disease. It’s important to ask questions and seek out information, advice, and support.

An early diagnosis can improve lives. Early diagnosis is critical as it opens up treatment options offering the best quality of life – including disease -modifying therapies like Leqembi and Kisunla that are FDA approved for those with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)l and early- stage Alzheimer’s disease. Beginning treatment early in the disease process may help preserve daily functioning for some time, even though the underlying Alzheimer’s process cannot be stopped or reversed. If you or a loved one is concerned about changes in memory or thinking or changes in senses, mood, behavior, or movement, it’s important to talk to a doctor.

We must continue to raise awareness and knowledge in New Jersey and across the globe, so individuals, families, communities, and government policy makers are better armed with information, guidance, and services to support those who are most affected by this life-changing disease. While there is currently no cure for dementia, support is available.