Alzheimer's disease is a condition in which the brain starts to shrink and eventually the brain cells start to die. This leads to memory loss, cognitive decline and loss of social skills. It’s one of the most common causes of dementia and often impacts the affected person’s ability to function. World Alzheimer’s Day is observed on September 21 every year.
This day is dedicated to raising awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and various forms of dementia. A key objective of this day is to eliminate the stigma surrounding Alzheimer's disease.
Alzheimer's disease, a neurological disorder, occurs when abnormal proteins called beta-amyloid build up in the brain cells, causing them to shrink and eventually die.
People with Alzheimer's disease may have symptoms such as memory loss, difficulty in thinking, problems with reasoning, changes in behaviour and depression.
The early signs of Alzheimer's may not seem severe, and they often go unnoticed. That's why the disease is often diagnosed in its later stages. A significant contributor to dementia is Alzheimer's disease. It's a progressive brain disorder, meaning it gets worse over time. The rate of progression might, however, differ from person to person.
World Alzheimer's Day holds great importance as it aims to raise awareness about this neurological disorder and reduce the stigma surrounding it. It offers a chance to educate people about the early signs, risk factors and available treatments. By increasing our understanding of Alzheimer’s, we can ensure timely diagnosis and help individuals get the care they need.
With over 50 million people worldwide living with dementia and many more being diagnosed each year, it's vital to enhance public knowledge and support those impacted. One major goal of this day is to advocate for increased investment in research.
Despite its widespread impact, Alzheimer’s still lacks a cure. Thus, it's essential to fund research to better grasp the disease and develop effective treatments. This day serves as a call to governments, research institutions and philanthropic organisations to prioritise Alzheimer's research funding and improve the lives of those affected by the disease.
According to the Global Burden of Disease Study (GBDS), 2019, within the span of 2019–2050, the number of dementia cases, including Alzheimer’s disease, will undergo a significant increase of 166 percent, impacting the lives of nearly 15.3 crore worldwide. In India, the figures could reach more than 11 crore, according to India.
A study conducted by the CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (CSIR-NIScPR), which is said to be the only comprehensive account available to describe the likely prevalence and trend of different neurological disorders across the country, found that in nearly 3 decades between 1990 and 2019, the burden of noncommunicable neurological disorders (including AD) more than doubled in India. In 2019, India was estimated to have 37 lakh active cases of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. The prevalence rate for AD and other dementias stood at 4.3 percent.
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