World Alzheimer's Day 2009
Each year on 21 September, World Alzheimer's Day™ unite people living with dementia around the world. From Austrailia to Zimbabwe people with dementia, carers and Alzheimer associations take part in activities to raise money and awareness of dementia.
The theme for the 15th World Alzheimer's Day™ is 'Diagnosing Dementia: See It Sooner' - highlighting the importance of early diagnosis.
A diagnosis is an essential first step towards receiving appropriate help and support. A delay in diganosis can mean that people affected by dementia and their carers suffer unnecessarily from uncertainity about what is happening and are unable to access the treatment and care they need. World Alzheimer's Day™ highlights the importance of the public being more informed about the early signs and symptoms of dementia, helping them to seek vital help sooner.
There are currently more than 30 million people with dementia worldwide and the number is set to rise to over 100 million ny 2050. With so many people affected it is time dementia was recognised as a global health priority. We must combat stigmas and ignorance so that people with dementia receive the care treatment and attention they deserve. World Alzheimer's Day™ is co-ordinated by Alzheimer's Disease International, the federation of 71 Alzheimer's Associations worldwide.