World Alzheimer's Day, a part of Alzheimer's Month, is observed every year on the 21st of September, with the objective of and supporting the families of Alzheimer-affected patients to tackle and fight it. While it's most often associated with older adults, it’s important to understand that Alzheimer’s is not a normal part of aging. It is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects various cognitive functions and eventually, the ability to perform even the simplest tasks. 

What is Alzheimer’s Disease?

Alzheimer's is a brain disorder that causes problems with memory, thinking, and behavior. It is named after Dr. Alois Alzheimer, who first described it in 1906 after observing changes in the brain tissue of a woman who had died of an unusual mental illness. Upon examination, he found abnormal clumps (amyloid plaques) and tangled bundles of fibers (neurofibrillary tangles). The loss of connections between nerve cells (neurons) in the brain, along with other changes, signifies Alzheimer’s disease.

Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease, meaning symptoms worsen over time. In its early stages, memory loss is mild. During the later stages, individuals lose the ability to carry on a conversation, respond to their environment, or even perform basic functions like swallowing or walking. While the disease predominantly affects older adults, especially those over the age of 65. Though younger people can also develop it, a condition known as early-onset Alzheimer’s.

How Does Alzheimer’s Disease Manifest?

Alzheimer’s begins slowly, and its symptoms can be subtle in the early stages. It might start as simple forgetfulness, but over time, the memory lapses become more frequent and severe, eventually affecting daily life and functioning.  The disease follows a pattern that is typically broken down into three stages:

1. Mild (Early-Stage Alzheimer’s):

People might still function independently, but they begin to experience noticeable lapses in memory, such as forgetting words, misplacing objects, or having trouble remembering recent conversations or events. Difficulty in planning or organizing things may also emerge.

1. Moderate (Middle-Stage Alzheimer’s):

This is usually the longest stage of the disease. People confuse words, become frustrated quickly, and behave in unexpected ways. The person may forget important personal details like their address or start experiencing confusion about time or place. It becomes more difficult to perform routine tasks, like paying bills or following a recipe.

1. Severe (Late-Stage Alzheimer’s):

In the final stage of Alzheimer’s, individuals lose the ability to respond to their environment, communicate coherently, and eventually, control movement. They may require 24/7 assistance with daily activities and personal care.

Theme for Alzheimer's Day 2024: “Know Dementia, Know Alzheimer's”

This year's theme, "Know Dementia, Know Alzheimer's," is quite fitting, as this day becomes even more relevant in raising awareness and building proper understanding of these debilitating conditions. We will be working against stigma, supporting those affected, and advocating for research to find a cure—all by continuing to educate ourselves on dementia and Alzheimer's disease. By understanding these conditions, we can create a more supportive and inclusive environment for individuals living with dementia and Alzheimer's disease.