Every year on 21 September, people all over the world mark World Alzheimer’s Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness of Alzheimer’s disease and all other forms of dementia. In 2025, the theme is more vital than ever: “Ask About Dementia. Ask About Alzheimer’s.” This theme stresses the power of questioning, of opening up conversations—in families, in communities, in medical settings, and in public policy.
In this blog, we’ll dive into what World Alzheimer’s Day represents, why this year’s theme matters, how you can get involved, what dementia & Alzheimer’s really are, signs and symptoms, prevention and support, and practical steps forward. Towards the end, there’s an FAQ section to clarify common concerns.
What is Alzheimer’s & Dementia?
Dementia is not a single disease. It’s an umbrella term for conditions characterised by decline in memory, thinking, behavior, and the ability to perform everyday activities. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia (about 60-70% of all cases).
History & Significance of World Alzheimer’s Day
World Alzheimer’s Day was established by Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI) in 1994, to coincide with ADI’s 10th anniversary.
Over time, it has become part of World Alzheimer’s Month, every September, with global campaigns, resources, events, and policy advocacy.
On this day, people aim to raise awareness of Alzheimer’s/dementia, challenge stigma, promote early diagnosis and better support systems—for individuals, caregivers, families, and society.
The 2025 Theme: “Ask About Dementia. Ask About Alzheimer’s.”
What does “Ask About Dementia. Ask About Alzheimer’s” mean in practice, and why is it critical now?
Encouraging Dialogue. By asking questions—whether to medical professionals, loved ones, or support networks—we break down fear and misinformation. Open discussion reduces the stigma that too often keeps people silent.
Promoting Early Diagnosis. Dementia symptoms are often dismissed as “normal aging.” But the earlier Alzheimer’s or another dementia is diagnosed, the sooner treatments, supports, and lifestyle changes can be started. Asking questions about memory issues, thinking difficulties, or changes in behavior is the first step toward diagnosis.
Empowering Caregivers & Patients. When families and individuals feel safe to ask and to learn, they are more likely to access resources, participate in care planning, and maintain quality of life. Knowledge is empowering.
Reducing Stigma. Misconceptions and fear around Alzheimer’s and dementia lead to social isolation, discrimination, or delayed help. An atmosphere where asking is welcomed helps to normalize dementia as a reality for many, rather than something to hide.
Driving Systems Change. Asking about dementia doesn’t just change individual lives—it also pressures healthcare systems, policymakers, and funders to provide better services: more training for care providers, better access to diagnosis tools, support services for caregivers, research funding, etc.
Current Global Scope: Facts & Figures (2025 snapshot)
More than 55 million people worldwide are estimated to be living with dementia. The number is rising, as populations age.
Alzheimer’s constitutes the majority of dementia cases (~60-70%).
Despite this high prevalence, many cases remain undiagnosed or misdiagnosed, often because symptoms are discounted or attributed to ageing.
The economic, social, and emotional cost is huge: for individuals, caregivers, families, and health systems. Costs include medical treatments, caregiving, loss of independence, mental health impacts, etc. Health systems in many countries are under-resourced for dementia care.
Variation across regions: in low- and middle-income countries, there are often fewer resources, less awareness, and greater delay in diagnosis or limited access to care.
Recognising signs & symptoms
If you or a loved one have concerns, here are symptoms to watch for. Not all of them mean Alzheimer’s, but they may warrant asking questions and seeking medical assessment.
| Category | Possible Early Signs |
|---|---|
| Memory & Learning | Frequently forgetting recently learned information, or important dates/events; asking for repetition; relying heavily on memory aids. |
| Planning / Problem Solving | Difficulty developing and following plans; trouble working with numbers or following recipes, balancing finances. |
| Daily Tasks / Familiar Activities | Trouble completing tasks at home, work, or leisure that used to be easy (e.g. driving familiar routes; organizing work assignments). |
| Orientation in Time / Place | Getting lost in familiar places; confusion about dates, seasons, or passage of time. |
| Language / Communication | Word-finding difficulties; losing track of conversations; trouble writing or speaking coherently. |
| Visual / Spatial Abilities | Trouble reading, judging distances; problems with spatial relationships; difficulty identifying shapes. |
| Judgment / Decision Making | Poor decision making; changes in judging situations; inappropriate social behaviour. |
| Mood / Personality / Behaviour | Mood swings, depression, apathy; withdrawal from social interaction; changes in personality. |
If these signs are present, especially if they increase over time and affect daily living, asking a healthcare professional about dementia is important.
Prevention, Risk Factors, & What You Can Do
While Alzheimer’s cannot yet be completely prevented, there are many lifestyle factors and risk-reduction strategies that can help delay onset, slow progression, or improve quality of life. Since the theme is about asking, be proactive about learning.
Maintain physical activity. Regular exercise improves blood flow to the brain, helps with cardiovascular health, reduces risk of vascular problems.
Healthy diet. Diets rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, healthy fats (e.g. Mediterranean diet) are associated with lower risk.
Mental stimulation. Keep the brain active: reading, puzzles, learning new skills, music, arts; social engagement.
Quality sleep. Sleep is critical for restorative brain processes; poor sleep is linked with higher risk.
Manage cardiovascular risk factors. Hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity—all should be controlled or monitored.
Avoid harmful habits. Smoking, excessive alcohol use, exposure to pollutants or traumatic brain injury may raise risk.
Stay socially connected. Isolation and loneliness are risk factors; maintaining relationships and social support helps mental health.
Regular health check-ups. Especially if you notice cognitive changes, blood tests, imaging, neuropsychological assessments may spot early signs.
Support Systems: For Individuals & Caregivers
Living with dementia or Alzheimer’s doesn’t mean going it alone. There are many paths of support:
Medical care & diagnosis. Early assessment by neurologists, psychiatrists, geriatricians, or memory clinics helps. Diagnostic tools include cognitive testing, imaging (MRI, CT), sometimes biomarkers.
Non-pharmacological interventions. Cognitive stimulation therapy; behavioural therapy; speech therapy; occupational therapy; environmental modifications to make surroundings safer and more comfortable.
Medications. There are medications that can help with symptoms (for example, cholinesterase inhibitors, memantine) and some treatments in development. They don’t cure, but may slow decline or improve quality of life.
Psychological & emotional help. Depression, anxiety, frustration are common—for patients and caregivers. Counselling, support groups, therapy can help.
Caregiver support. Caring for someone with dementia is demanding, emotionally and physically. Respite care, training in care techniques, self-care for caregivers, community support are critical.
Community & social services. Dementia-friendly policies, community programs, day care, help with home care, safety modifications at home.
Legal & financial planning. Early planning for decisions (power of attorney, wills), long-term care costs, insurance, guardianship etc.
Why Asking Matters: Stories & Real-World Impact
Consider a person noticing frequent forgetfulness; if they shrug it off as “old age,” crucial time may be lost. But if they ask questions, seek help early, they may access supportive interventions that preserve function, slow decline, and plan for future.
Caregivers often feel isolated. Asking questions of professionals, peers, support groups helps reduce anxiety, gives practical tools, and builds community.
In many cultures, dementia remains taboo. Asking can help overcome silence, misunderstanding, shame. Open questions can shift those cultures toward inclusion, empathy, early help.
How You Can Participate in World Alzheimer’s Day & Month
To bring the theme alive, here are ways individuals, communities, and organisations can get involved:
Use social media: share posts, stories, infographics using hashtags like #AskAboutDementia and #AskAboutAlzheimers. Alzheimer’s Disease International+1
Attend or organise events: memory walks, public talks, webinars, local support meetups.
Share your story: whether as someone living with Alzheimer’s or as a caregiver, your voice helps others feel less alone.
Volunteer or support Alzheimer’s/dementia-related charities: resources, fundraising, awareness.
Encourage education and training: for health professionals, caregivers, community leaders, so they are better equipped to recognise, diagnose, and care.
Advocate: with local health authorities for better access to diagnosis, support structures, financial support for families, policy changes.
Ask questions—both personally and in public spheres: to your family doctor, to someone who seems forgetful, to community leaders, to policymakers.
Challenges & Barriers
While important, this movement faces hurdles:
Stigma and cultural barriers: in some societies, dementia is misunderstood, hidden, blamed, or associated with shame.
Limited resources: in many regions, there are few specialists, memory clinics, diagnostic tools, or support services.
Cost: diagnosis, care, long-term management are expensive. Many caregivers bear the burden without sufficient institutional or governmental assistance.
Knowledge gaps: both among the public and among many healthcare professionals. Misdiagnosis, late diagnosis are common.
Inequities: by region, socioeconomic status, rural vs urban, between high-income vs low-income countries.
To consult a Neurologist at Sparsh Diagnostic Centre for Alzheimer’s, call our helpline number 9830117733.
#BhaloTheko
Disclaimer:
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
