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World Alzheimer’s Day 2023: Every year, the special event of World Alzheimer’s Day is observed on September 21 to spread awareness about Alzheimer's disease, its prevention and diagnosis. This special day aims to educate people about this common disease, its effects on the body and how one can manage this disease. World Alzheimer’s Day is also observed to bust myths surrounding dementia and Alzheimer's and to encourage people and support families afflicted with Alzheimer's.

World Alzheimer’s Day 2023: History

The history of Word Alzheimer’s Day dates back to 1994, when it was first introduced in Edinburgh to commemorate the 10th anniversary of Alzheimer's Disease International (ADI). Alzheimer's Disease International (ADI) was founded in 1984 to support Alzheimer's patients across the globe and provide them with the required treatment. ADI has more than 100 Alzheimer’s organisations across the globe that look after problems faced by Alzheimer's patients and their families.

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia (Image Credits: Canva)

World Alzheimer’s Day 2023: Significance

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2020, as many as 5.8 million Americans were living with Alzheimer’s disease. The number of people living with the disease doubles every 5 years beyond age 65. With such alarming 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.

World Alzheimer’s Day 2023: Theme

The Alzheimer's Disease International (ADI) chooses unique themes every year that surround the observances and celebrations of this day. The theme for World Alzheimer’s Day 2023 is "Never too early, never too late", which focuses on the importance of identifying risk factors and preventive measures for this health condition.

Age is the best known risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease (Image Credits: Freepik)

What Is Alzheimer’s?

The Mayo Clinic defines Alzheimer's disease as a brain disorder that gets worse over time and is characterised by changes in the brain that lead to deposits of certain proteins. The early signs of the disease include forgetting recent events or conversations. Over time, it progresses to serious memory problems and loss of the ability to perform everyday tasks.

 

(Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment.)