Learning About Dementia For World Alzheimer's Month

September is World Alzheimer’s Month. It can present a time to learn more about Alzheimer’s, dementia, and other neurological conditions, and it may also provide an opportunity to get involved in dementia advocacy. Below, we’ll explain what dementia and Alzheimer’s are, the risk factors for developing dementia, and how you can get involved in advocacy efforts for those who live with Alzheimer’s disease. If you or a loved one has recently received an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, you may find it helpful to speak with a licensed therapist.

What is World Alzheimer’s Month?

World Alzheimer’s Month is an international campaign that can offer an opportunity to better understand Alzheimer’s disease and other neurological conditions. 

Alzheimer’s disease is reported to be the fifth leading cause of death in people aged 65 and over. 

Considering these facts, dedicating the month of September to Alzheimer’s support, awareness, and research can be seen as part of a larger goal to work toward more effective treatment and help those living with the disease. 

Understanding dementia and memory care

Dementia is an umbrella term that generally refers to symptoms affecting a person’s cognitive ability. Alzheimer’s may be the most well-known neurological condition that affects a person’s cognition, but it is not necessarily the only form of dementia. Other types of dementia include the following:

• Vascular dementia

• Huntington’s disease

• Lewy body dementia

• Frontotemporal dementia

• Mixed dementia (which tends to be caused by multiple forms of the disease)

Of American adults aged 71 and older, it’s thought that approximately 13.9% may have some form of dementia. Many people believe that dementia is a normal part of the aging process. While it is true that the brain usually changes as we age, and these changes can affect multitasking and processing speeds, severe issues with memory and major behavioral changes are not normally part of the aging process. Research indicates that, in many cases, Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia can be delayed or prevented. 

Interventions that can delay or prevent Alzheimer’s include those listed below:

• Not smoking

• Not binge drinking

• Maintaining a healthy weight

• Prioritizing balanced eating habits

• Exercising regularly

• Getting enough sleep

• Managing blood pressure

• Managing blood sugar

• Preventing and addressing hearing loss

Early signs of brain disease

Detecting Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia early can be a key part of preventing the disease from progressing. If you or someone you know may be experiencing dementia, it can be important to look for the following signs and symptoms:

• Memory problems that impact daily life, especially trouble remembering recent events, dates, appointments, and other information 

• Asking the same questions repeatedly or telling the same stories repeatedly

• Having to use memory aids, such as reminder notes 

• Relying on family members to remember important dates or events

• Reduced concentration and problem-solving abilities

• Difficulty completing typical daily tasks

• Feelings of confusion or disorientation

• Apathy or depression

• Withdrawal from loved ones

• Personality or behavior changes

• Speech changes

Keep in mind that certain memory or cognitive issues can be normal as we age. For example, sometimes forgetting where you put your keys can be a normal occurrence that many people experience, and it does not necessarily suggest dementia.

In general, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s, but early detection, lifestyle changes, and certain medications can be helpful interventions. 

Fostering support and awareness for people with dementia

Raising awareness for Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and other neurological disorders can be important for many reasons. First, many people can be affected by dementia, whether they experience it themselves or have a loved one who lives with it. Living with dementia can be extremely challenging, and people who have severe dementia often experience fear, depression, anger, suspicion, and other difficult emotions. Raising awareness for these individuals can increase the level and quality of care they receive.

Second, raising awareness about risk factors can help people better understand how to prevent Alzheimer's and other neurological conditions. Combating the myth that dementia is a normal part of aging can help people understand the importance of preventing and treating dementia and other neurological conditions.

Finally, funding for dementia and other neurological conditions is often inadequate. A lack of funding often translates to slower progress toward treatments and potentially a cure. Raising awareness of the need for further research can help get funding and ultimately result in fewer people struggling with the disease.

Understanding the importance of Alzheimer's research

Ongoing research into Alzheimer’s and other neurological conditions suggests that the disease can be treated with various medical interventions. A medication called lecanemab was FDA-approved for people with mild to moderate dementia in 2023, and individuals who take the medication early in their diagnosis may experience slowed cognitive and functional decline.

This scientific advancement and other discoveries would generally not be possible without funding and advocacy for Alzheimer’s research. World Alzheimer’s Month can provide a timely opportunity to become an Alzheimer’s advocate. To get involved, you may consider the following:

Learn more about dementia and Alzheimer’s disease

If you don’t know much about Alzheimer’s disease, it can be helpful to educate yourself about its symptoms, risk factors, and impacts. You can find helpful educational content online, and you may wish to consider Alzheimer’s Disease International for resources.

Attend Alzheimer’s advocacy events

Local dementia associations, such as the Alzheimer’s Association, regularly host events to support those affected by dementia. At these events, you can volunteer your time, raise awareness, and learn more about current dementia research.

Spread your story

Even if you do not live with Alzheimer’s disease, you may have a parent, grandparent, or friend who lives with the condition. Discussing your experience with dementia, or as a loved one to someone with dementia, can help others know they’re not alone.

Become an advocate for dementia and memory research

Advocating for dementia care and research can help pass important legislation and increase funding for the cause. In addition to attending events and telling your story, you may wish to ask your elected officials to focus on dementia care, treatment, and awareness. Other helpful parts of advocating can include donating (if possible) and volunteering to care for those with dementia. To find out more about how you can become an advocate, see Alzheimer’s Impact. 

Mental health support for cognitive impairment and related challenges

Whether you’re experiencing dementia or caring for someone who has dementia, it’s usually not an easy situation. People with dementia sometimes struggle with understanding what’s going on around them, often leading to feelings of fear, sadness, and confusion. Caretakers for those with dementia may struggle to know how to help their loved ones, and it may also be difficult to see their loved ones change so drastically due to the progression of the disease. 

Working with a therapist can be one way to improve mental health. Therapy can be a good option for anyone, whether they live with dementia or another mental health condition. Working with a therapist generally allows you to address the challenges in your life in a safe, nonjudgmental environment. You may prefer to work with a therapist online or in-person. 

Many people find online therapy to be convenient since it allows you to work with a therapist from the comfort of your home. In addition, you can schedule sessions outside of typical business hours and choose between video, phone, and online chat for each appointment.

Additionally, research suggests that online therapy can be as effective as in-office therapy for treating various mental health concerns.