World Alzheimer’s Day 2024: History, Theme, Causes, Treatment, and How it Differs from Dementia

World Alzheimer’s Day, observed every year on September 21, is dedicated to raising awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. It aims to dispel misconceptions surrounding these conditions while offering support to families affected. Alzheimer’s is a progressive brain disorder that leads to memory loss, confusion and cognitive decline, making everyday activities increasingly difficult.

World Alzheimer’s Day 2024: Theme

According to Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI), the theme for World Alzheimer’s Day 2024 is “Time to act on dementia, Time to act on Alzheimer’s.”

This year’s campaign focuses on changing perceptions about dementia and addressing the stigma that surrounds the condition.

It also highlights the ongoing efforts by various organisations and governments across the world to develop a supportive environment for people living with dementia.

World Alzheimer’s Day 2024: History

World Alzheimer’s Day was first observed on September 21, 1994, in Edinburgh to mark the 10th anniversary of Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI). Founded in 1984, ADI works to support Alzheimer’s patients and their families.

With around 100 member associations, the organisation focuses on raising awareness, promoting global cooperation and helping shape policies that combat Alzheimer’s and dementia.

About Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease is a degenerative brain disorder that leads to memory loss, cognitive difficulties and behavioural changes. It is the most common type of dementia, characterised by the gradual breakdown of brain cells, which affects thinking and memory functions.

While it mostly occurs in older adults, younger individuals can also be affected in some cases. As a progressive condition, Alzheimer’s symptoms worsen over time, making everyday tasks increasingly challenging for those affected.

Causes Of Alzheimer’s Disease

According to the Cleveland Clinic, Alzheimer’s disease is associated with the abnormal accumulation of proteins in the brain, particularly amyloid and tau proteins.

Amyloid proteins form large clumps known as plaques, while tau proteins create twisted fibres called tangles.

These plaques and tangles interfere with communication between nerve cells, disrupting their ability to function properly and eventually leading to cell death.

In Alzheimer’s disease, the brain’s billions of nerve cells, which are crucial for functions such as thinking, learning, remembering and planning, gradually lose their ability to operate as they die off.

The process often starts in the hippocampus, the area of the brain integral to memory formation and retention and then progressively affects other regions of the brain.

While the exact reason for this protein buildup is unclear, scientists believe that genetic mutation may cause early-onset Alzheimer’s.

The late-onset Alzheimer’s is believed to be a complex series of brain changes that develop over decades. It is likely caused by genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors.

Symptoms Of Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease progresses through three main stages, each with distinct symptoms.

1. Mild StageIn the early phase, individuals often struggle with short-term memory, frequently forgetting newly learned information, especially recent events, places and names. Other signs include trouble finding words, losing objects, difficulty organising or problem-solving and taking longer to complete routine daily tasks.
2. Moderate StageThis is typically the longest stage and can last for many years. During this stage, individuals face increased memory loss, confusion about time or location, difficulty recognising loved ones and needling help with self-care tasks like bathing, grooming, showering and using the bathroom. Personality changes, delusions and sleep disturbances may also occur.
3. Severe StageIn this final stage, memory is nearly lost, and communication becomes extremely limited as the individual becomes unaware of their surroundings. They require full-time assistance with basic activities such as eating, sitting up and walking. They also become vulnerable to infections like pneumonia.

Treatment Of Alzheimer’s Disease

While there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, treatments are available to manage symptoms. According to Mayo Clinic, medications can help with memory symptoms and other cognitive changes. Two main types of drugs are used:

Cholinesterase Inhibitors like donepezil (Aricept, Adlarity), galantamine (Razadyne) and rivastigmine transdermal patch (Exelon), may improve brain cell communication by preserving a key chemical messenger. They are often the first treatment and may help with behaviour issues. Side effects can include diarrhoea, nausea, loss of appetite and sleep disturbances.

Memantine (Namenda) targets a different communication network in the brain and is used for moderate to severe stages, sometimes used in combination with a cholinesterase inhibitor. Side effects are relatively rare but may include dizziness.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved lecanemab (Leqembi) and donanemab (Kisunla) for people with mild Alzheimer’s disease.

Difference Between Alzheimer’s And Dementia

Dementia is a general term for a decline in a person’s mental abilities severe enough to disrupt daily life, affecting memory, reasoning, language and behaviour. It is not a specific disease but rather a result of various conditions.

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia, accounting for at least two-thirds of dementia cases in those over 65. Other types of dementia include vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, frontotemporal dementia and dementia due to Parkinson’s disease.

World Alzheimer’s Day 2024 Quotes

• “Even if I can’t cure, I can still care.”- Sally P. Karioth RN, PhD
• “Please remember the real me when I cannot remember you.” – Julie White
• “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.” – Socrates
• “I am seeking, I am not lost. I am forgetful, I am not gone.” – Koenig Coste
• “Our value lies in what we are and what we have been, not in our ability to recite the recent past.” – Homer
• “Alzheimer’s caregivers are heroes.” – Leeza Gibbon
• “You only know yourself because of your memories.” – Andrea Gillies
• “I like it when people remember that I’m a person, not just a person with Alzheimer’s.” – Sally Hepworth