September is World Alzheimer’s Month
post by BU-SHARP Writing Fellow Lindsay Griesman
September is World Alzheimer’s Month, an international campaign dedicated to raising awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Each year, people and organizations around the world come together to learn more about dementia and support those affected by encouraging conversations about diagnosis, care, and research. This year’s campaign highlights the importance of early diagnosis with the theme “The Earlier You Know, The More You Can Do: A Dementia Diagnosis Matters.”
September 21 marked World Alzheimer’s Day, which takes place annually during World Alzheimer’s Month. The day is an opportunity to bring even greater attention to Alzheimer’s and related dementias and to recognize how it affects more than 55 million people worldwide. Globally, organizations mark the day through fundraisers, walks, and other community events.
Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease that accounts for nearly 60-80% of dementias. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, dementia is a general term for memory loss and other changes in cognitive abilities severe enough to interfere with daily life. It is important to note, though, that Alzheimer’s is not a normal part of aging.
While September provides an important opportunity to learn about this disease, awareness does not have to end when the month does. In the United States, one way to continue that momentum is by participating in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s, a yearly event organized by the Alzheimer’s Association.
Get Involved: Walk to End Alzheimer’s
This fall, the Boston Walk to End Alzheimer’s is on October 25th. For students and members of the Boston University community and beyond, participating in this walk can be a meaningful way to turn awareness into action. Whether by walking, volunteering, or fundraising, community participation helps keep conversations about Alzheimer’s alive beyond September.
To stay up to date on local research on healthy aging, follow BU-SHARP’s work. Follow us on LinkedIn and Bluesky @busharp.bsky.social. Click here to sign up for our newsletter.