With World Alzheimer’s Month just behind us, we’ve been thinking about the importance of this period of the year for all of those affected by Alzheimer’s Disease. This international event aims to raise awareness and change stigmas surrounding Alzheimer’s and dementia, and we want to help them do just that.

In this post, Four Oaks Healthcare looks at the history of World Alzheimer’s Month, current global Alzheimer’s statistics, and some of the best fundraising activities that you can host or get involved in.

What is World Alzheimer’s Month?

Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI), the organisation responsible for this annual event, asks participants to express World Alzheimer’s Month in the following way: “An international campaign to raise dementia awareness and challenge stigma. Each year, Alzheimer’s and dementia associations, alongside all those involved in the treatment, care and support of people with dementia from around the world, unite to organise advocacy and information provision events, as well as Memory Walks and fundraising days.”

When is World Alzheimer’s Month?

World Alzheimer’s Month runs through September every year. From the 1st to the 30th of September, ADI aims to raise awareness of the disease. This event has been running since 2012, making 2022 their 11th annual event.

When is World Alzheimer’s Day?

On the 21st of September is International World Alzheimer’s Day. During the month, before and after the 21st of September, many Alzheimer’s and dementia associations around the world host fundraisers and awareness-raising events and campaigns to encourage and improve awareness among the greater public. 

Every Alzheimer’s Day has a theme, and this year is “Know dementia, know Alzheimer’s.” The intention of this theme is to call attention to the importance of providing support for people living with dementia or Alzheimer’s, as well as their families, following a diagnosis.

Alzheimer’s and Dementia Statistics

Alzheimer’s and different forms of dementia affect people all over the world. The following are global statistics related to these brain diseases. They are all approximate estimates, as exact global statistics are nearly impossible to achieve when factoring in mortality.

• Only one in four people with Alzheimer’s gets diagnosed
• Worldwide, there are 50 – 55 million people living with Alzheimer’s disease or a related form of dementia
• One to four family members act as caregivers for every person with Alzheimer’s disease
• Someone develops dementia every three seconds
• There are over 10 million new cases of dementia every year
• The treatment gap is much larger in low and middle-income countries
• Dementia is widely recognised as one of the most serious health crises of the 21st century

World Alzheimer’s Month Fundraising

World Alzheimer’s Month is an opportunity for businesses, charities and individuals to host activities and hold events in their communities to raise awareness. ADI provides campaign materials for these events, and if anyone is eager to participate but cannot arrange an event, they can find events run by their National Alzheimer’s Charity.

Here are a few fundraising ideas for Alzheimer’s Month:

• Light up local landmarks in purple
• Wear (and encourage everyone else to wear) purple, red or orange
• Hold a memory walk or race day (keep in mind the ages of your participants
• Hold a dementia-related quiz
• Host a virtual event

Conclusion on Alzheimer’s Month

World Alzheimer’s Month is an important annual event that reminds us of the importance of community and support for those dealing with senile dementia. If you have loved ones who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and could benefit from dementia care, get in touch with us today.