World Alzheimer’s Day is observed on 21 September each year to increase global awareness and understanding of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia, a group of brain disorders that slowly affect memory, thinking, behaviour and the ability to perform everyday activities. As populations age worldwide, the number of people living with dementia is rising, bringing major emotional, social and economic challenges for families and health systems.
Why it matters
Dementia is often misunderstood and surrounded by stigma. Many people think that becoming very forgetful, confused or dependent is a normal part of ageing, but it is not. In dementia, brain cells are progressively damaged, leading to memory loss, difficulty finding words, getting lost in familiar places, misplacing objects, changes in mood and personality, and problems in managing money or household tasks. Over time, the person may need help with dressing, eating, bathing and staying safe.
There is currently no cure that stops Alzheimer’s disease, but early diagnosis can help rule out other treatable causes of memory problems, start appropriate medicines where useful, manage risk factors like high blood pressure and diabetes, and give families time to plan care and support. Simple, respectful communication, a structured routine, a safe home environment and emotional support can make a big difference to quality of life. World Alzheimer’s Day emphasises that people living with dementia deserve dignity, patience and inclusion, not neglect or blame.
History
Alzheimer’s disease was first described in the early 1900s by Dr Alois Alzheimer, a German psychiatrist and neuropathologist, after he observed characteristic brain changes in a woman with severe memory loss and confusion. Over the decades, research has shown that abnormal protein deposits (amyloid plaques and tau tangles) in the brain are strongly associated with Alzheimer’s.
World Alzheimer’s Day was launched by Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI), the global federation of Alzheimer and dementia associations, in the 1990s to raise worldwide awareness and challenge the stigma that surrounds dementia. Later, the entire month of September came to be marked in many places as World Alzheimer’s Month, with 21 September as the main focus day. Each year, campaigns highlight themes such as “Know Dementia, Know Alzheimer’s”, “Remember Me” or “Let’s Talk About Dementia”, encouraging open conversations, early help‑seeking and community support.
Key facts
Common condition
- dementia affects tens of millions of people globally
- and the majority of them live in low‑ and middle‑income countries.
Age‑related but not normal ageing
- risk increases with age
- but severe memory loss and dependence are not a normal or inevitable part of getting older.
Family impact
- most care is provided at home by family members
- often women
- who may face emotional stress
- financial strain and social isolation.
Risk reduction
- controlling blood pressure
- diabetes and cholesterol
- avoiding tobacco
- staying physically active
- eating a balanced diet
- staying mentally and socially engaged and protecting the head from injury may help reduce dementia risk.
Need for support
- people with dementia and their caregivers benefit from clear information
- regular medical follow‑up
- counselling and community‑based services.
In Bangladesh
In Bangladesh, the number of older people is growing due to improvements in public health and life expectancy. As a result, dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, is becoming more common, although exact numbers are not well documented. Many families notice that an elderly parent or grandparent is becoming very forgetful, repeating the same questions, mixing up names, misplacing money and important items, or becoming suspicious, irritable or withdrawn. However, these changes are often dismissed as “old age” or “religious or psychological problems” instead of being recognised as possible dementia.
On World Alzheimer’s Day, neurologists, psychiatrists, geriatricians, mental health organisations and NGOs in Bangladesh organise seminars, media discussions, awareness sessions and caregiver meetings. Messages focus on recognising early warning signs, consulting a doctor (such as a neurologist, psychiatrist or geriatric specialist) when memory or behaviour changes interfere with daily life, and ruling out other causes like depression, thyroid problems, vitamin deficiency or side‑effects of medicines.
Community awareness is vital so that families understand that dementia is a medical condition, not a punishment or “madness”. Simple changes—keeping a regular routine, labelling rooms and cupboards, ensuring good lighting, reducing hazards such as loose rugs or open staircases, and encouraging gentle physical activity and social interaction—can improve safety and comfort. There is also increasing recognition of caregiver stress; family members need rest, emotional support and, where possible, shared responsibilities. World Alzheimer’s Day in Bangladesh highlights the need for age‑friendly health services, training of health workers in dementia care and inclusion of older people with memory problems in social and religious life with respect and empathy.
Frequently asked questions
- What is Alzheimer’s disease?
- Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder and the most common cause of dementia. It slowly damages memory, thinking, behaviour and the ability to carry out everyday activities, mainly in older adults.
- Is memory loss always a normal part of ageing?
- No. Mild forgetfulness can happen with age, but frequent memory loss that affects daily life, getting lost in familiar places, mixing up words or major changes in behaviour may indicate dementia and should be checked by a doctor.
- How can families support a person with dementia at home?
- Families can help by maintaining a simple daily routine, speaking calmly and clearly, labelling important items and rooms, ensuring good lighting and safety, encouraging gentle physical and social activity, keeping medical follow‑ups and sharing caregiving duties to reduce stress.