New Delhi: World Alzheimer's Day is observed every year on September 21 to raise awareness and educate people about Alzheimer's and Dimentia. This day is a great oppotunity to speak up and find new ways to finght the disease.
World Alzheimer's Day 2022: A brief history
Alzheimer's Disease International (ADI), which was established in 1984, is responsible for aiding victims, educating the public, and advancing relevant laws.
World Alzheimer's Day was first observed in 1994 by ADI in Edinburgh on September 21 as part of their annual conference to commemorate their tenth anniversary. World Alzheimer's Day and World Alzheimer's Month are coordinated globally by ADI, who collaborates with member associations and organisations to plan activities and raise awareness.
On World Alzheimer's Day in 2009, the first "World Alzheimer Report" was released, and yearly reports have been published ever since. Although the influence of the day is growing, there is still a knowledge gap and stigma around dementia. Many individuals consider the illness to be a normal aspect of ageing.
Although Alzheimer's disease is largely brought on by ageing, it is not exclusively a condition of the elderly. There are roughly 200,000 persons under 65 who are suffering from Alzheimer's, in the United States alone.
Concerned people and organisations may take part in this awareness-raising effort by contacting their country's Alzheimer's association.
World Alzheimer's Day 2022: What is Alzheimer's Disease?
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurological condition that typically develops gradually and gets worse over time. It is the root of 60–70% of dementia cases. The most prevalent initial sign is trouble recalling recent events. Language difficulties, disorientation (including a tendency to get lost easily), mood swings, a lack of desire, self-neglect, and behavioural problems can all be indicators of advanced Alzheimer's disease. As a person's health deteriorates, they frequently isolate themselves from friends and family. Body functions gradually deteriorate, which eventually results in death. The usual life expectancy upon diagnosis is three to nine years, however, the rate of development might vary.
World Alzheimer's Day 2022: What are the causes of Alzheimer's Disease?
The cause of the disease is not well known. However, brain proteins fundamentally misbehave, interfering with the activity of neurons, and setting off a chain of harmful and lethal events. Damaged neurons lose their connections, degenerate, and finally, die. Though the damage often starts in the part of the brain that regulates memory, it can occur years before any symptoms ever start to show.
In a fairly predictable manner, the loss of neurons spreads to other regions of the brain, and by the disease's last stages, the brain has already significantly reduced.
Its growth is said to be influenced by several genetic and environmental risk factors. An APOE allele is the most potent genetic risk factor. Clinical depression, high blood pressure, and a history of head trauma are additional risk factors.
One of the most common symptoms of this illness is forgetting recent occurrences. Alzheimer's patients are more prone to forget names, addresses, phone numbers, and other trivial information in this scenario.
World Alzheimer's Day 2022: Significance and Theme
The purpose of World Alzheimer's Day is to dispel common misconceptions about dementia and raise awareness of its importance. It is also used as a chance for people to show how they may overcome these difficulties and help those who have dementia.
The theme for this year is the same as that of 2021- "Know Dementia, Know Alzheimer's''. However, this year there is a special focus on post-diagnosis support.