Marking World Alzheimer's Day – the earlier you know, the more you can do
Every year, on the 21 September, we acknowledge the global effort to raise awareness and challenge the stigma around Alzheimer's disease and other dementia.
The theme for 2026 is 'the earlier you know, the more you can do: a dementia diagnosis matters.' This highlights the benefits of a timely and accurate diagnosis, tackling stigma, and encouraging people to speak to their GP about memory concerns.
It gives everyone the opportunity to discuss symptoms, seek help, and foster a greater understanding of these conditions with professional practitioners.
Key facts in the UK
- dementia remains the UK's biggest killer
- over 900,000 people live with dementia in the UK, with one in three people born today expected to develop it in their lifetime
- the forget-me-not flower is widely used by organisations like the Alzheimer's Society as a visible symbol and reminder of the cause
What is Alzheimer's Disease?
Alzheimer's disease is a physical illness which causes brain damage, and eventually dementia. It's the most common cause of dementia. It can affect everyone differently, but these are some common early symptoms:
- memory problems
- thinking and reasoning difficulties
- language problems
- changes to how they see and hear things
- changes in mood
The symptoms of Alzheimer's disease will get worse over time. As Alzheimer's disease progresses, a person will need increasing support with everyday living.
What is the difference between Alzheimer's and dementia?
In summary, dementia is an all-inclusive term that refers to a range of symptoms affecting cognitive abilities, such as thinking, reasoning and remembering, while Alzheimer's disease is a specific type of dementia characterised by progressive memory loss and cognitive decline. Other types of dementia exist, each with its own distinct causes and characteristics.
For more information, click here: Alzheimer's Society (alzheimers.org.uk)