World Alzheimer’s Day is observed every year on the 21st of September to create awareness and educate people about the misconception of Alzheimer’s and dementia and to support and encourage people affected with Alzheimer’s to fight it.
Why is World Alzheimer’s Day Celebrated?
Alzheimer’s is a brain disorder that includes memory loss and confusion. If it is not treated on time, then it can impact one’s mental abilities of thinking, learning, remembering, reasoning, decision-making, and problem-solving, which can impact one’s day-to-day life activities. The severe condition affects not only the patient but also their families. People across the world, several Alzheimer’s organizations come together to encourage people affected with Alzheimer’s and dementia. They organize several activities to aware people of the symptoms and warning signs, early diagnosis and the right treatment of this disease.
World Alzheimer’s Day 2023 Theme
The theme of World Alzheimer’s Day in 2023 is “Never Too Early, Never Too Late”. It can have a significant influence on recognising the risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease and to control them. Still, there are ways to slow down or stop it from developing. Both dementia syndromes and vascular disease share a number of risk factors. Recommendations were made by the World Health Organisation (WHO) to lower the risk of dementia, which can delay the progression of cardiovascular illnesses.
Apart from controlling the risk factors, lifestyle improvement can reduce not only the risk for future dementia but also other chronic disorders. Brain health protection can be achieved with:
a lifelong learning enthusiasm
alcohol abstinence
social interaction
History of World Alzheimer’s Day
It was first introduced on 21st September 1994 in Edinburgh. It was the 10th anniversary of Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI). ADI was founded in 1984 with the objective to encourage and support Alzheimer’s disease patients and their families. ADI organization also run Alzheimer’s University which aims to connect people across the world to help Alzheimer’s associations throughout the world to encourage to fight dementia and Alzheimer’s.
ADI has nearly 100 Alzheimer’s associations around the world that look into the issues experienced by Alzheimer’s patients and families. ADI organizes awareness campaigns to make the governments of different nations and WHO policymaking fight Alzheimer’s and dementia and encourage their victims. Alzheimer’s disease got its name from ‘Alois Alzheimer’, a German psychiatrist who first found this disorder while treating a lady in 1901.
How Can You Reduce the Risk of Developing Alzheimer’s Disease?
You can prevent your brain from cognitive decline by adopting a healthy lifestyle. The following are some ways to reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease:
Keep your mind active
To keep your mind active, you should read books, play board games, play a musical instrument, do crossword puzzles, or do other hobbies that need brain power.
Get physically active
When you exercise, it increases flow of the blood and oxygen to your brain which may have an impact on brain cell health. If you participate in activities, make sure to wear protective headgear to reduce the risk of head injury.
Stay socially active
Make sure to talk to your friends and family regularly and join in on group activities, such as exercise classes, religious services, or community volunteer work.
Eat healthy
Always eat healthy food that includes antioxidants. If you drink alcohol, then make sure to limit the consumption of alcohol.
When Should You See a Healthcare Provider?
If you or your loved one are suffering from issues like memory loss or confusion, then make sure to see a healthcare provider. They can determine if the problems are because of Alzheimer’s or another condition.
If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, you need to consult a professional healthcare provider regularly to monitor the health status of the condition and to ensure the treatment plan offered by your healthcare provider is working for you.
Conclusion
It can be overwhelming to hear that you or your loved one are suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. It is important to take care of yourself or the person who is suffering from it and get treatment as soon as possible. Moreover, stay healthy and safe and don’t forget to subscribe to Personal Care N Heal.
Also Checkout:
How Alzheimer’s Disease Affects the Brain and How to Treat It?
