World Alzheimer's Day 2024 Date, History, and More
World Alzheimer's Day 2024 is being observed on September 21st. Keep reading to learn about World Alzheimer's Day’s history and ongoing efforts to combat Alzheimer’s disease.
Deeksha Dixit21 Sept, 2024
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World Alzheimer's Day 2024 is an important occasion that aims to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and its impact on individuals, families, and communities. Alzheimer’s disease is a neurological disorder that affects millions of people worldwide, leading to memory loss, cognitive decline, and behavioral changes.
With a rapidly aging population, it is crucial to understand this disease, its causes, symptoms, and preventive measures. Read on to learn about World Alzheimer's Day 2024, its history, symptoms, and how the disease affects the brain.World Alzheimer's Day 2024 Overview
World Alzheimer’s Day is observed annually on 21st September to spread awareness about Alzheimer's disease. This day plays a critical role in educating people about the symptoms, stages, and effects of the disease. It also emphasises the importance of early diagnosis and the support needed for caregivers. World Alzheimer's Day 2024 continues the tradition of spreading vital knowledge about this disease while encouraging communities to come together to support patients and caregivers. An overview of World Alzheimer's Day 2024 is given below:| World Alzheimer's Day 2024 Overview | |
| Particular | Details |
| Date Observed | September 21, 2024 |
| Purpose | To raise awareness, challenge stigma, and encourage global cooperation. |
| Organized By | Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI) and the World Health Organization (WHO) |
| Description | Progressive neurological disorder affecting the brain, leading to memory loss, cognitive decline, and behavioral changes. |
| Symbol | Purple Ribbon |
| Named After | Dr. Alois Alzheimer, who first described the disease in 1906 |
| Primary Affected Age Group | Primarily older adults (over age 65) |
| Early-Onset Alzheimer’s | Diagnosed before the age of 65, affecting a subset of the population |
History of World Alzheimer’s Day
World Alzheimer's Day was first initiated in 1994 by Alzheimer's Disease International (ADI ) to mark the 10th anniversary of the organization. Since then, the day has grown into a global initiative, with hundreds of events taking place around the world each year. The goal of these events is to highlight the challenges faced by those living with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers while pushing for better support systems and research into treatments.World Alzheimer's Day 2024 Theme
The full theme for World Alzheimer's Day 2024 is "Time to Act on Dementia, Time to Act on Alzheimer's" . This emphasizes the urgent need for collective action, awareness, and support for individuals affected by dementia and Alzheimer's. Each year, the theme is carefully chosen to reflect current priorities in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease and to address emerging issues in dementia care and research.About Alzheimer's Disease
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that impacts the brain, causing memory loss, cognitive decline, and changes in behavior. As the most prevalent form of dementia, it is marked by the gradual loss of brain cells and the progressive impairment of cognitive abilities. This disease primarily affects older adults, though it can occasionally affect younger individuals. Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease, meaning that symptoms gradually worsen over time. Scientists and researchers continue to explore the causes and potential treatments, with ongoing research providing hope for a cure in the future.| Stages of Alzheimer’s Disease | |
| Stage | Description |
| Mild | Memory lapses, difficulty with familiar tasks, mood changes |
| Moderate | Increased confusion, difficulty recognizing loved ones |
| Severe | Loss of ability to communicate, reliance on full-time care |
How Alzheimer’s Disease Affects the Brain?
Alzheimer’s disease damages brain cells and disrupts the connections between them. The damage begins in the hippocampus, the part of the brain responsible for forming new memories, and eventually spreads to other areas. As brain cells die, affected areas of the brain shrink, leading to the symptoms of Alzheimer’s. These changes impair communication between brain cells and ultimately lead to the loss of function and death of the cells.
Symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer does not have a known cure , although treatments are available to manage symptoms and improve quality of life. The symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease can vary from person to person, but common early signs include:- Memory loss that disrupts daily life
- Difficulty completing familiar tasks
- Confusion about time or place
- Problems with speaking or writing
- Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps
- Withdrawal from work or social activities
- Changes in mood and personality
Prevalence of Alzheimer's in India
Alzheimer’s disease is becoming increasingly prevalent in India due to the country’s aging population. According to estimates of the Alzheimer's Association (India), over 4 million people in India are affected by some form of dementia, with Alzheimer’s being the most common type. The lack of awareness and misconceptions surrounding the disease has led to delayed diagnosis and inadequate care for many patients. In rural areas of India, access to medical care and support systems is limited, further complicating the management of Alzheimer’s disease. Some of the government initiatives to improve awareness and provide support to patients are as follows:- District Mental Health Program (DMHP), 1996 : Initiated under the National Mental Health Program to integrate mental health services with general healthcare at the community level.
- National Program for Health Care of the Elderly (NPHCE), 2011: Focuses on elderly health issues by setting up geriatric departments and rehabilitation units, organizing geriatric clinics, and promoting healthy lifestyles.
- Mental Healthcare Act (MHA), 2017 : Provides affordable, accessible mental healthcare, supports dignified participation in societal activities, and assists families in caring for dementia patients.
- Ayushman Bharat Scheme (ABS), 2018 : Offers affordable healthcare to over 100 million families with coverage up to 0.5 million INR per family, aiming to improve access to dementia care which is currently limited to private institutions.
- Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojna (AVYAY), 2020 : Focuses on senior citizen welfare, including building and maintaining housing facilities for those with severe Alzheimer’s disease requiring continuous care.
World Alzheimer's Month 2024
World Alzheimer’s Month 2024 is observed throughout September, with World Alzheimer’s Day taking place on the 21st. This month-long campaign aims to increase global awareness of Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia while encouraging early diagnosis and reducing stigma. Across the world, organizations, healthcare professionals, and caregivers join forces to provide educational resources, promote supportive care for patients, and advocate for continued research. Events and activities are organized to foster a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by individuals with dementia and their families. By uniting efforts on a global scale, World Alzheimer’s Day 2024 and Month seeks to drive progress toward effective treatments and ultimately, a cure for Alzheimer’s disease, while improving the quality of life for those affected. Are you preparing for the UPSC exam and looking to deepen your understanding of important topics like public health? PW's UPSC courses offer comprehensive study materials, expert guidance, and a structured approach to help you excel. Enroll today!World Alzheimer's Day 2024 FAQs
What is Alzheimer's disease?
Alzheimer's is a progressive brain disorder that affects memory, thinking, and behavior, leading to dementia.
When is Alzheimer's Day in 2024?
World Alzheimer's Day 2024 is being observed on September 21st.
How can Alzheimer’s be diagnosed?
It is diagnosed through a combination of medical history, cognitive tests, brain imaging, and laboratory tests.
Is Alzheimer’s disease curable?
Currently, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s, but treatments are available to slow its progression and manage symptoms.
What is the difference between dementia and Alzheimer's?
Dementia is an umbrella term for symptoms affecting memory and cognition, while Alzheimer's is a specific disease that causes dementia.
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