Every year, September 21 is observed globally as World Alzheimer’s Day. It is a day dedicated to raising awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, which together affect millions of people worldwide. More than just a date on the calendar, this day is a call to action—a reminder of our collective responsibility to understand, support, and work towards defeating this growing public health challenge. The theme of this year is ‘Ask about dementia Ask about Alzheimer’s’.
Dementia is an umbrella term for a collection of symptoms that are caused by disorders affecting the brain and have an impact on memory, thinking, behaviour and emotion. The most common of these disorders is Alzheimer’s disease, which affects about 50 to 60% of people with dementia.
Understanding the brain
Our brains are made up of over 86 billion nerve cells – more than the stars in the Milky Way. Dementia damages nerve cells, resulting in impaired functioning.
The specific symptoms a person living with dementia experiences will depend upon what parts of the brain are affected and/or the specific disease that is causing their dementia. Symptoms may include: loss of memory, difficulty in finding the right words or understanding what people are saying, difficulty in performing previously routine tasks, personality and mood changes.
A global movement
The observance of World Alzheimer’s Day began in 1994. Since then, it has grown into a global movement. The day plays a vital role in dispelling myths, breaking stigma, and spreading accurate information. Too often, dementia is misunderstood as “just old age”, delaying diagnosis and treatment.
The World Health Organization estimates that over 55 million people currently live with dementia, with a new case of dementia occurring somewhere in the world every 3 seconds. The number of people living with dementia is predicted to rise sharply to 78 million by 2030 and 139 million by 2050. Dementia will be the third leading cause of death globally, by 2040. Developing nations, where resources for elderly care are limited, will bear the greatest burden. Alzheimer’s not only affects health but also has significant social and economic consequences. Families face emotional exhaustion, and the cost of long-term care places an enormous strain on healthcare systems.
One of the most important messages of World Alzheimer’s Day is the recognition of caregivers. Spouses, children, and even neighbours often become the silent heroes of dementia care, sacrificing time, energy, and financial stability. Yet, caregivers frequently feel isolated and overwhelmed.
Reducing risk
Although there is no cure for Alzheimer’s yet, specific actions to reduce dementia risk include:
Education: Ensure good quality education is available for all and encourage cognitively stimulating activities in midlife to protect cognition.
Assistive devices: Make hearing aids accessible for people with hearing loss and decrease harmful noise exposure to reduce hearing loss.
Mental health: Treat depression effectively.
Road safety: Encourage the use of helmets and head protection in contact sports and on bicycles.
Physical activity: Encourage exercise because people who participate in sport and exercise are less likely to develop dementia.
Avoiding tobacco: Reduce cigarette smoking through education, price control, and preventing smoking in public places and make smoking cessation advice accessible.
Lifestyle-related conditions: Prevent or reduce hypertension, and maintain systolic blood pressure of 130 mm Hg or less from age 40 years Detect and treat high LDL cholesterol from midlife onwards. Maintain a healthy weight and treat obesity as early as possible, which also helps to prevent diabetes.
Alcohol reduction: Reduce high alcohol consumption through price control and increased awareness of levels and risks of overconsumption.
Social connections: Prioritise age-friendly and supportive community environments and housing, and reduce social isolation by facilitating participation in activities and living with others.
Screening: Make screening and treatment for vision loss accessible for all.
Pollution: Reduce exposure to air pollution.
Early diagnosis is key
Early diagnosis remains crucial, as it allows better management and planning. Governments, healthcare providers, and communities must prioritize dementia research and policy reforms to make care accessible and affordable.
World Alzheimer’s Day is more than just an observance; it is a movement of solidarity and hope. It reminds us that while Alzheimer’s may erase memories, it cannot erase dignity. By spreading awareness, supporting caregivers, and investing in research, we can move toward a future where this disease is better understood, managed, and ultimately cured. Let us use this day to pledge compassion, strengthen communities, and ensure that no one faces dementia alone.
(Dr. Aravind G. is a consultant with the department of neurology, Naruvi Hospitals, Vellore. aravind.g@naruvihospitals.com)
Published – September 21, 2025 06:00 am IST