According to research from Alzheimer’s Society, there are currently 982,000 people living with dementia here in the UK.
However, while more than half of us know someone who has been diagnosed with the condition, over two thirds of people still believe it to be a normal part of ageing.
These statistics, while staggering, highlight the importance of World Alzheimer’s Month. With better understanding, we can encourage earlier diagnosis, and create better outcomes for those living with the disease.
This World Alzheimer’s Month, we want to shine a light on the disease by explaining what Alzheimer’s is, why awareness matters, and how you can get involved this September.
What is World Alzheimer’s Month?
Every September, global communities come together to increase awareness on Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. It’s an annual campaign designed for organisations and individuals to share stories, raise funds for research, and highlight support services.
While Alzheimer’s awareness is a year-round effort, this month provides a global platform to spotlight the stories of those living with Alzheimer’s, and the people who care for them.
Why awareness matters
1 in 3 people in the UK living with dementia do not currently have a diagnosis. Whether that’s due to stigma associated with the disease, or a lack of awareness of the early signs and symptoms, it’s important to work to change these statistics and increase early diagnosis, so that people can find the care and support that’s right for them.
With better awareness, we can help people to recognise the signs, and seek medical advice early on. This can lead to faster intervention, and helps people to manage their symptoms and improve quality of life.
But that’s not all, awareness can also lead to increased research funding, which is essential for finding new treatments.
Understanding Alzheimer’s disease
The most common type of dementia, Alzheimer’s, is caused by abnormal protein ‘plaques’ and ‘tangles’ building up in the brain.
These plaques and tangles are thought to damage brain cells and disrupt chemical messages. Early signs and symptoms can include difficulty finding words, memory lapses (especially for recent events), low mood, and anxiety.
Early signs and symptoms
Alzheimer’s often begins quietly, with changes that can be easy to overlook or put down to ageing. That’s why it’s so important to know what to look out for. Some of the early signs may include:
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- Memory loss that interrupts daily life, such as forgetting important dates or conversations.
- Finding it harder to plan or problem-solve, like following a recipe or keeping on top of bills.
- Struggling with familiar tasks at home, work, or during hobbies.
- Losing track of time or place, such as forgetting what day it is or where you are.
- New difficulties with language, whether finding the right word or following a conversation.
- Misplacing items and being unable to retrace steps.
- Poorer judgment or decision-making.
- Stepping back from social activities or hobbies they once enjoyed.
- Changes in mood or personality, which might look like increased anxiety, suspicion, or low mood.
While everyone forgets things from time to time, if these changes start to affect day-to-day life, it’s worth seeking medical advice early.
Key facts and statistics
Some key facts and statistics about dementia and Alzheimer’s disease from the World Health Organization (WHO) are:
- There are currently 57 million people living with dementia worldwide.
- Each year, nearly 10 million new cases of dementia are diagnosed.
- Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, contributing to around 60–70% of all cases.
- In 2019, dementia was estimated to cost the world’s economies US $1.3 trillion. Almost half of this cost came from unpaid care provided by family and friends.
- On average, informal carers dedicate five hours every day to supporting their loved one.
While sobering, these statistics highlight exactly why it’s so important to boost awareness surrounding Alzheimer’s and dementia
How The Good Care Group supports those living with Alzheimer’s
While living with Alzheimer’s can present new challenges, with the right support, life can still be full of meaning, connection, and joy. At The Good Care Group, we’re dedicated to providing home care, live in care, and specialised dementia care that is both compassionate and highly personalised.
Memory care therapeutic programmes of activity
At The Good Care Group, we provide training for our staff on important interventions such as Reminiscence, life story work, the use of music, and sensory stimulation for people living with dementia. Our carers work alongside the person, and together with their dedicated care manager, establish what sorts of activities the person would benefit from, and agree how these will be delivered.
Interventions are tailored around the person’s needs and abilities, helping to keep the brain active, and providing rewarding opportunities for the person. We encourage people with dementia to play an active role in their own care, and in everyday life; drying dishes, setting the table, or cooking and baking together for example.
This keeps up skills and provides a sense of pride and achievement. Exercise, exploring outdoors, and maintaining social connection with the community meanwhile are all things that the person with dementia and their carer can do together. Our professional carers help facilitate hobbies that perhaps the person used to enjoy, or even explore new ones with them.
At home Alzheimer’s care
For those living with dementia and Alzheimer’s, we know that the familiar surroundings of home can offer feelings of comfort and safety. That’s why we provide comprehensive Alzheimer’s care services that put loved ones first, allowing them to continue living at home for as long as they choose.
All of our carers are specially trained to support daily routines, medication, and companionship, all while encouraging independence and dignity. And, with our in-house Consultant Admiral Nurse, Dr. Jane Pritchard, we make sure we’re always providing the very best care for those living with dementia, whether they have just received a diagnosis, or are in the later stages of the condition.
Caregiver support services
Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s is incredibly rewarding, but it can also be emotionally and physically exhausting. That’s why we offer a range of services to support family carers, like respite care that gives you time to rest. Because we want families to feel equipped, confident, and cared for too.
With our specialist respite care options, we allow family carers the time to take a much-needed break, or try out a live-in care arrangement on a short-term basis to find out how it would work for you.
Ways you can help during World Alzheimer’s Month
This September, even small actions can make a big impact. Here are some ways you can show support:
- Learn and share: take the time to understand a little more about Alzheimer’s and talk about it openly with family and friends.
- Donate: charities like Alzheimer’s Society rely on funding to continue vital research and support services.
- Join an event: from sponsored walks to coffee mornings, there are plenty of ways to get involved in fundraising activities.
- Volunteer: local support groups and care organisations often welcome extra hands to help with activities or admin.
- Support a family carer: even a simple act, like offering to run an errand, cook a meal, or sit with their loved one, can mean the world to someone caring full-time.
How are we getting involved?
This September, we’ll be raising awareness for Alzheimer’s by taking part in our Step Up Challenge. As a team, we’ll be running, walking, and jogging, to collectively cover 982 miles in honour of the 982,000 people living with Alzheimer’s in the UK. So, make sure to check back in with us at the end of the month to find out how we did!
We’ll also be raising funds for The Brain Charity, who provide vital support for people with neurological conditions. If you would like to donate, or share the link to donate, you can find it here: https://www.justgiving.com/charity/thebraincharity
Let’s make a difference, together
While World Alzheimer’s Month is predominantly about building a better understanding of the disease, it’s also about connection. By shining a light on symptoms and support, we can reach out to those who live with Alzheimer’s and the people who care for them, and help them to feel seen and heard all year round.
