World Alzheimer’s Day

World Alzheimer’s Day takes place around the world on the 21st September every year, attempting to raise awareness and challenge the common stigma that surrounds Alzheimer related dementia.

What is Alzheimer’s

Alzheimer’s is a disease that gets progressively worse, affecting memory and other mental functions. It’s the most common form of dementia that generalises memory loss and loss of other essential cognitive abilities, that can cause major impacts on an individual’s daily life. Due to the nature of Alzheimer’s and how it progresses, it is more prominent in the elderly but is unfortunately seen as a standard part of ageing, which is not the case.

Some of the main symptoms of Alzheimer’s are greater memory loss, wandering and getting lost, trouble handling money and paying bills, repeating questions, taking longer to complete normal daily tasks, and personality and behaviour changes.

We highly recommend that you seek professional help if you or someone you know are suffering from these difficulties, as there is plenty of help and support for those suffering from Alzheimer’s, which can make both their and your life easier and more manageable. Early diagnosis can help to make a massive difference, so the sooner you see symptoms of dementia and Alzheimer’s, the sooner you should contact a professional.

What is World Alzheimer’s Day / Month

First launched in 2012, each World Alzheimer’s Month / Day campaign focuses on a specific theme related to the disease, to try and raise awareness and understanding one step at a time. This year’s theme, ‘Know Dementia, Know Alzheimer’s,’ continues on from the 2021 campaign, which focused on diagnosis and the warning signs of dementia, as well as the continued effect of COVID-19 on the global dementia community and more.

In 2022, the campaign will be focussing more intently on post-diagnosis support. Following recent developments and potential breakthroughs across the globe with dementia treatment and support, the campaign will aim to highlight the importance of support for people living with dementia and families of those affected following a diagnosis.

What causes Alzheimer’s disease?

Scientists and studies have made massive progress in recent years in better understanding Alzheimer’s. However, there is still no definite answer as to what causes Alzheimer’s disease in most people; but genetics and ‘brain changes with age’ are the most common causes in the majority of individuals who suffer from the disease. Although there is more knowledge now of Alzheimer’s, there is never one certain reason as to what has caused it in an individual, as the cause will be due to a combination of these factors, as well as lifestyle and environmental reasons – with also the reasoning being different in each and every person.

Lifestyle, Environmental, and Health Factors

Following further studies into Alzheimer’s, scientists suggest the correlation between cognitive and mental decline with vascular conditions, such as heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure, as well as metabolic diseases, such as obesity and diabetes. To help counter these suggested factors, there are a few activities that have been recommended to carry out when possible.

Although these suggestions haven’t been proven to help reduce the chances of developing Alzheimer’s, studies do indicate that maintaining these skills will help to keep you healthy, both physically and mentally.

If you or someone you know are showing signs of Alzheimer’s or Dementia, and you’re looking for support regarding this, we suggest you get in touch with some of the following charities:

Although we don’t specialise in Alzheimer’s & Dementia Help, we are a mental health charity and will do anything we can to help with mental struggles, so please don’t hesitate to pick up the phone and call us on 0121 565 5605.

For free, confidential support with our trained counsellors, text TeamKPG to 85258 – our 24/7 Helpline.

Kaleidoscope Plus Group are a UK Mental Health Charity, offering mental health support through a variety of different services, such as suicide bereavement, counselling and our free 24/7 urgent helpline. To find out about other ways Kaleidoscope can offer mental health help, visit the Our Services page on our website.