Every year on 21 September, the world observes World Alzheimer’s Day, a global awareness campaign to shed light on Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. It is part of World Alzheimer’s Month, observed throughout September, which aims to reduce stigma, improve awareness, and advocate for better care and research.
In 2025, the observance is marked by the theme: “Ask about Dementia. Ask about Alzheimer’s”, encouraging open dialogue, early diagnosis, and support for affected families.
History of World Alzheimer’s Day
- 1994: First observed on 21 September by Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI) to commemorate its 10th anniversary.
- 2012: Expanded into World Alzheimer’s Month to create a consistent, month-long campaign.
Since then, the day has been marked with global events, fundraising campaigns, awareness workshops, and memory walks, aimed at educating people and building dementia-friendly societies.
Theme of World Alzheimer’s Day 2025
- Theme: “Ask about Dementia. Ask about Alzheimer’s”
Purpose
- Encourage people to ask questions and reduce fear or misinformation.
- Promote early diagnosis and medical consultation when symptoms appear.
- Raise awareness about the disease’s impact on patients, families, and caregivers.
- Reduce stigma and foster acceptance for those living with dementia.
- The theme emphasizes that open dialogue leads to better understanding and care.
Significance of the Observance
- Global Reminder: Highlights the scale of dementia, affecting millions worldwide.
- Encourages Early Diagnosis: Improves treatment outcomes and quality of life.
- Caregiver Support: Recognizes the role of families and caregivers in managing the disease.
- Fights Stigma: Dispels myths and encourages inclusion of those affected.
- Advances Research & Prevention: Strengthens calls for more funding, scientific innovation, and brain health awareness.
World Alzheimer’s Day 2025 Activities
Across the globe, organizations and communities mark the day with,
- Memory Walks & Fundraisers – to support research and care programs.
- Educational Campaigns – workshops, seminars, and webinars on dementia awareness.
- Community Dialogues – discussions to reduce stigma and promote support.
- Cultural & Art Programs – promoting empathy and compassion.
- Social Media Campaigns – using hashtags #AskAboutDementia and #AskAboutAlzheimers.
Supporting Alzheimer’s Research and Care
- Participate in Clinical Trials: Aid medical research and potential treatments.
- Donate or Fundraise: Support global and local Alzheimer’s organizations.
- Encourage Brain-Healthy Habits: Nutrition, exercise, mental stimulation, and social interaction reduce dementia risks.
- Volunteer: Offer companionship and support at dementia care centres.
Quick Facts
- World Alzheimer’s Day 2025
- Date: 21 September 2025
- Theme: “Ask about Dementia. Ask about Alzheimer’s”
- First Observed: 1994 by Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI)
- Alzheimer’s Disease: Progressive neurodegenerative disorder; most common cause of dementia.
- Global Prevalence: Over 55 million people worldwide live with dementia (WHO data).
- India’s Burden: Estimated 5.3 million people with dementia (projected to triple by 2050).