07.09.2020
World Alzheimer’s Month | Understanding Alzheimer’s disease and dementia
Forgetting someone’s name or where you left something can happen from time to time,
particularly when you’re tired or stressed. But if you’re aged 65 or over and memory
loss is starting to impact your life, it’s a good idea to talk to your GP about dementia.
As part of this year’s World Alzheimer’s Month and World Alzheimer’s Day (21 September),
we’re raising awareness about the myths and stigma of dementia.
Did you know?
• Dementia is a set of symptoms that affect your brain’s cognitive function, such as
thinking and memory.
• It is usually caused by a disease, such as Alzheimer’s, which is the most common one.
• Around 850,000 people live with dementia in the UK.
• Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease can affect anybody, including younger people. Over
42,000 people with dementia are aged under 65.
• Cultural perceptions of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia can make it harder for people
to get the support they need. Some cultures see a dementia diagnosis as a source of
shame.
• When you’re ready to talk with your loved ones about your diagnosis, there are some
helpful tips to read online, such as these from Alzheimer’s Society.
