World Alzheimer’s Day 2023: What is Alzheimer’s disease? What are its causes and symptoms, know everything here
World Alzheimer’s Day is celebrated every year on 21 September to spread awareness about the prevention and diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia, a general term for memory loss and other cognitive abilities that is severe enough to interfere with daily life. Alzheimer’s disease occurs in 60-80% of cases. Alzheimer’s is not a normal part of aging. The biggest known risk factor is increasing age and most people with Alzheimer’s are 65 years of age and older. Alzheimer’s disease is considered young-onset Alzheimer’s if it affects a person under the age of 65. People diagnosed with Alzheimer’s at a young age may be in the early, middle, or late stages of the disease.
Purpose of celebrating this day
The aim of this special day is to educate people about this common disease, its effects on the body and how this disease can be managed. World Alzheimer’s Day is also celebrated to break the myths associated with dementia and Alzheimer’s and to encourage people and support families suffering from Alzheimer’s.
History
The history of Alzheimer’s Day dates back to 1994, when it was first introduced in Edinburgh to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI). Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI) was founded in 1984 to support Alzheimer’s patients worldwide and provide them with the treatment they need. ADI has more than 100 Alzheimer’s organizations around the world that care for Alzheimer’s patients and their families.
Importance
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2020, approximately 5.8 million Americans were living with Alzheimer’s disease. The number of people suffering from this disease doubles every 5 years after the age of 65 years. With such worrying statistics, a day like World Alzheimer’s Day is important to raise awareness about this disease and educate people about its causes, symptoms and preventive measures.
theme
Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI) every year chooses unique themes for the observance and celebrations of this day. The theme of World Alzheimer’s Day 2023 is “Never Too Late, Never Too Late”, which focuses on the importance of identifying risk factors and preventive measures for this health condition.
symptoms of alzheimer’s
The most common early symptom of Alzheimer’s is difficulty remembering newly learned information.
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Like the rest of our bodies, our brains also change as we age. Most of us eventually notice some slow thinking and occasional problems remembering certain things. However, severe memory loss, confusion, and other major changes in the way our brains work may be signs that brain cells are failing.
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Alzheimer’s changes usually begin in the part of the brain that affects learning. As Alzheimer’s progresses through the brain, it leads to increasingly severe symptoms, including disorientation, mood and behavior changes; deepening confusion about events, time, and place; Unfounded suspicions about family, friends, and professional caregivers; more severe memory loss and behavioral changes; And there is difficulty in speaking, swallowing and walking.
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People with memory loss or other possible symptoms of Alzheimer’s may find it difficult to recognize that they have a problem. Symptoms of dementia may be more obvious in family members or friends. Anyone experiencing dementia-like symptoms should see a doctor as soon as possible. If you need help finding a doctor with experience evaluating memory problems, your local Alzheimer’s Association can help. Earlier diagnosis and intervention methods are improving dramatically, and treatment options and sources of support can improve quality of life.
