When is World Alzheimer’s Day?
The 21st of September is World Alzheimer’s Day.
What is World Alzheimer’s Day?
Forgetting where you put the TV remote is one thing. Forgetting the purpose of a TV remote is another. What if you forgot that? Or, how many times can you tell the same story in one day without realizing you’re doing so? A steadily eroding memory is only one of many signs of Alzheimer’s, and World Alzheimer’s Day is a day devoted to spreading awareness and dispelling misconceptions about the disease.
Nobody lives forever—not yet at least. Bodies age and minds slow down. Some brains decline faster than others though, alarmingly fast. Not every kind of forgetfulness comes from Alzheimer’s, but memory loss is a sign. Alzheimer’s disease causes dementia, which means mental horsepower slips so that relationships and daily life become more difficult.
Alzheimer’s isn’t a part of normal aging, and this is probably the biggest myth that World Alzheimer’s Day can end. We don’t have a cure yet, but we can treat symptoms to slow down their progression. We just have to watch for the signs.
Facts about World Alzheimer’s Day!
- The youngest Alzheimer’s patient was 27 years old.
- As of 2018, there are around 200,000 people under 65 with Alzheimer’s disease.
- After symptoms show up, people with Alzheimer’s disease can live anywhere from 8 to 20 more years.
- Contrary to a popular theory, nobody has proven whether aluminum causes Alzheimer’s or not.
How to celebrate World Alzheimer’s Day:
- Donate to research. There are institutions and hospitals devoted to the fight. Your money can keep their lights on and their studies moving forward.
- Support your loved ones. Learn the signs of the disease to watch for it. One symptom is a growing dependence on caretakers, which can be burdensome. Look for ways to support those who care for Alzheimer’s patients.
- Protect yourself. We don’t know for sure how to prevent Alzheimer’s, but we have some speculations. Eat well, sleep well, and exercise. Learn new things, and connect to people. Future research may reveal more helpful tips, but this list is a start.
What’s the hashtag for World Alzheimer’s Day?
You can use #WorldAlzheimersDay as the hashtag for World Alzheimer’s Day.