On September 21st, the global community gathers once again to commemorate World Alzheimer’s Day 2024, which is a key part of World Alzheimer’s Month. This annual event is aimed at raising awareness and educating society about Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. The 2024 campaign focuses on a critical aspect—“Attitudes towards dementia”. It emphasizes understanding and addressing perceptions about the disease, with the goal of building a society that offers more compassion and support for people living with dementia. Through World Alzheimer’s Day 2024, the campaign seeks to spread accurate information and foster a more dementia-friendly world.

In Nepal, many people misunderstand Alzheimer’s, highlighting the importance of initiatives like World Alzheimer’s Day. These campaigns play a key role in transforming mindsets, spreading knowledge, and guiding communities to become more dementia-friendly.

History of World Alzheimer’s Day

World Alzheimer’s Day, observed annually on September 21st, was launched in 1994 as part of the Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI) initiative. It marked the 10th anniversary of ADI and honored Dr. Alois Alzheimer, who first identified the disease in 1906. Over the years, this day has grown into a global campaign aimed at raising awareness about Alzheimer’s and other dementias.

In 2012, the creation of World Alzheimer’s Month extended the campaign to the entire month of September. This movement builds on the foundation of World Alzheimer’s Day 2024. It engages people worldwide, advocating for early detection, better support systems, and advancements in dementia research. World Alzheimer’s Day 2024 also plays a key role in dismantling the stigma surrounding the disease. It offers hope and solidarity to millions of families affected by Alzheimer’s across the globe.

Facts about World Alzheimer’s Day

• First observed in 1994, marking the 10th anniversary of ADI.
• Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, affecting memory, thinking, and behavior.
• More than 55 million people globally live with dementia, and this number is expected to double by 2050.
• Early diagnosis is crucial for improving the quality of life for those living with Alzheimer’s.
• There is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, but treatments are available to manage symptoms.

The message of World Alzheimer’s Day is universal—enhancing public understanding to create dementia-inclusive societies.

Attitudes Towards Dementia: Why They Matter

This year’s World Alzheimer’s Day 2024 and Global Alzheimer’s Day campaign, focusing on “Attitudes towards dementia,” aims to confront the stigma and misinformation that often surrounds the disease. Many people still perceive Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias as merely issues related to aging, failing to recognize them as medical conditions that require comprehensive care and understanding. Through World Alzheimer’s Day 2024 and Global Alzheimer’s Day, the campaign seeks to address these misconceptions and promote more informed attitudes.

Changing attitudes involves educating communities about the realities of dementia. Here are some key misconceptions and the truths behind them:

• Misconception: Dementia is just a normal part of aging. Truth: While aging increases the risk, dementia is a disease that goes beyond typical memory loss.
• Misconception: There’s nothing you can do once you have dementia. Truth: Early diagnosis and intervention can improve quality of life and slow disease progression.
• Misconception: People with dementia are always confused or forgetful. Truth: Symptoms vary, and people with dementia can have periods of clarity, especially in the early stages.

Promoting accurate information helps reduce fear and fosters empathy towards individuals living with dementia. As part of this year’s theme, we are all encouraged to adopt positive attitudes, ensuring our homes, workplaces, and communities become safe spaces for those affected by dementia.

Know the Signs of Alzheimer’s: Steps to Early Detection

Recognizing the early signs of Alzheimer’s is essential for obtaining timely medical help and support. World Alzheimer’s Day 2024, with its theme of Shaping Attitudes Towards Dementia, emphasizes the importance of early detection, as Alzheimer’s typically progresses in stages. Identifying symptoms early is critical for managing the disease and improving the quality of life for those affected.

Some key signs of Alzheimer’s include:

• Memory loss: Especially forgetting recently learned information or important dates.
• Difficulty performing familiar tasks: Struggling to complete daily activities, like cooking or using household devices.
• Confusion with time or place: Losing track of dates, seasons, or the passage of time.
• Challenges with problem-solving: Difficulty in following plans or working with numbers.
• Withdrawal from work or social activities: A tendency to isolate due to confusion or anxiety about one’s abilities.

By paying attention to these warning signs, families can seek medical advice sooner. World Alzheimer’s Day 2024 reminds us that early interventions may significantly slow the disease’s progression, giving families more time to adjust and prepare for the challenges ahead.

How to Overcome Alzheimer’s: Treatment and Support Options

Although there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease yet, World Alzheimer’s Day 2024, under the banner of Shaping Attitudes Towards Dementia, highlights the steps individuals and families can take to manage the condition effectively. The journey with Alzheimer’s is challenging, but with the right support, patients can still live fulfilling lives.

Here are some ways to manage Alzheimer’s:

• Medications: There are medications that help with symptoms, particularly memory loss, confusion, and changes in behavior. Some of these include cholinesterase inhibitors and memantine.
• Cognitive therapies: Engaging in mental exercises, such as puzzles and memory games, can help stimulate cognitive functions. These therapies focus on maintaining mental sharpness for as long as possible.
• Support groups: Connecting with others who are also living with or caring for people with Alzheimer’s offers emotional support and practical advice. Many communities, especially during World Alzheimer’s Day 2024, provide local Alzheimer’s associations offering resources and companionship.
• Physical health management: Encouraging a healthy lifestyle—including physical exercise, proper nutrition, and social interaction—can improve overall well-being and reduce symptoms.
• Caregiver support: Caregivers play a pivotal role in the day-to-day life of those with Alzheimer’s. Support programs for caregivers, emphasized during Shaping Attitudes Towards Dementia campaigns, help reduce burnout and provide strategies for better managing the challenges of the disease.

Alzheimer’s in Nepal: The Current Situation

In Nepal, Alzheimer’s disease, like many other mental health issues, remains largely under-recognized. The lack of awareness, combined with the stigma surrounding dementia, often leaves many patients without proper care. A 2018 study indicated that dementia, including Alzheimer’s, is rising due to Nepal’s aging population, but public understanding of the disease is still limited. Events like World Alzheimer’s Day 2024, focusing on Shaping Attitudes Towards Dementia, play a crucial role in raising awareness and combating the stigma surrounding dementia.

Moreover, with limited access to specialized healthcare, especially in rural areas, many individuals are diagnosed only when the disease has significantly progressed. During World Alzheimer’s Day 2024, which emphasizes Shaping Attitudes Towards Dementia, organizations aim to highlight this issue in Nepal and advocate for better healthcare solutions. Nepal is also grappling with a shortage of trained professionals who can provide specialized care and the necessary long-term support for dementia patients.

Organizations such as Alzheimer’s Nepal are working hard to raise awareness and advocate for better healthcare policies. They organize events, workshops, and community outreach programs to educate people about dementia. However, more efforts are needed, especially during World Alzheimer’s Day 2024, to combat the stigma and promote early detection, treatment, and care services.

World Alzheimer’s Day 2024, with the theme of Shaping Attitudes Towards Dementia, reminds us of the urgency to address dementia head-on by promoting accurate information and adopting compassionate attitudes. As we continue to build dementia-friendly societies, it is vital to recognize the signs of Alzheimer’s early and seek the necessary support. The fight against Alzheimer’s requires collaboration between governments, healthcare professionals, caregivers, and the broader community.

As we end this discussion, it is important to remember the slogan: “Health is the asset to you, so don’t take it lightly. Love your body and mental health.”

FAQs

What is World Alzheimer’s Day 2024 about?

World Alzheimer’s Day is an annual event held on September 21st to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

Why is this year’s theme focused on attitudes towards dementia?

The 2024 campaign aims to challenge misconceptions about dementia and foster a more supportive and informed society.

What are the early signs of Alzheimer’s?

Early signs include memory loss, difficulty with problem-solving, confusion about time or place, and withdrawal from social activities.

Is there a cure for Alzheimer’s disease in 2024?

Currently, there is no cure, but treatments are available to manage symptoms and improve the quality of life.

How can we support people with Alzheimer’s in Nepal?

Raising awareness, advocating for better healthcare, and providing caregiver support are essential steps toward improving the lives of people with Alzheimer’s in Nepal.

How can caregivers get support?

Caregivers can join support groups, attend workshops, and access resources from Alzheimer’s associations to manage their responsibilities better.