Education

World Alzheimer’s Day Celebrated on September 21

Posted by on Sep 30, 2011 in Education, Mind | 33 comments

World Alzheimer’s Day Celebrated on September 21

The entire month of September is celebrated as Alzheimer’s Month, making it a time to rally support for Alzheimer’s and all of those affected by it. September 21st marked the annual date for the international World Alzheimer’s Day. Throughout the year, preparations and decisions are made which pertain to the theme of the day and the activities that will be practiced around the world in an attempt to raise awareness about dementia. Dogwood Forest, an assisted living community in Marietta, GA, encouraged seniors and their affected families to celebrate World Alzheimer’s Day. Assisted living facilities in Marietta, GA focus on individual events and participation each year, raising awareness for their residents and those around the world who suffer from the disease. All Dogwood Forest commemorated the event with activity geared to raise Alzheimer’s awareness.

 

 

“Faces of Dementia” Are All Around Us

This year, the theme for World Alzheimer’s Day is “faces of dementia.” It is through this theme that people will be asked to recognize the trials and tribulations faced by those who are suffering from this disease. World Alzheimer’s Day is meant to promote support and proper care for those involved with Alzheimer’s; it is on this day that people around the world unite, that organizations in support of Alzheimer’s join together in an attempt to actively engage people in the activities which promote a better understanding of the disease and the research needed to finally find a cure. Those who have loved ones living with alzheimer’s in know all too well that there are far too many of those “faces of dementia” surrounding us today, and that it’s the responsibility of the younger generations to ensure that these seniors receive the care and proper encouragement they need and work toward a cure.

 

World Alzheimer’s Day is a Source of Hope

There are organizations around the world involved in World Alzheimer’s Day each year, and with increased media support, the overall coverage has proved extraordinary in terms of making a difference for those people who are suffering from dementia. The significance of World Alzheimer’s Day should not be underestimated. No matter where seniors reside, whether it be in the homes of their loved ones or in assisted living facilities in Marietta, GA or across the nation, they will find support coming in from all around them. It is a day which unites people suffering from dementia, their families, their caretakers, their friends, researchers, medical professionals, and the media all over the world in an attempt to globally coordinate awareness and work toward a cure. This coordinated message speaks to governments and policy markers around the world, reminding them of the serious health issue presented by dementia and urging them to better understand the severe implications dementia has on health systems and services in every country. This effect on health systems continues to grow with the growth of populations. By incorporating a new message or theme each year, World Alzheimer’s Day can be used to educate people about the misconceptions and challenges associated with dementia and the search for a cure.

 

World Alzheimer’s Facts

By observing World Alzheimer’s Day, Alzheimer associations everywhere can gain increased recognition as well as credibility for what they do, giving them a more powerful position from which to influence the opinions of governments and leaders. This way, they can achieve greater visibility and persuade more people that finding a cure for Alzheimer’s should be a top priority. The effects of the day trickle down to assisted living facilities, where many sufferers of dementia and Alzheimer’s reside. Some assisted living residents in Marietta  at Dogwood Forest find that after World Alzheimer’s Day, people tend to be more patient, understanding and helpful. As such, the effectiveness of the day is incredibly important. The success of World Alzheimer’s Day is measured by the number of countries that participate in at least one of the many events. It is also measured by the number of daily visitors to Alzheimer sites from individuals who want more information. Additionally, media impressions and inquiries received as well as the increase in individuals who join Alzheimer associations can contribute to whether the day can be considered successful and effective.

 

How You Can Help

ADI, the organization that founded World Alzheimer’s Day, is responsible for seeking financial support and for distributing materials around the world. These materials allow members to organize country-specific events. On World Alzheimer’s Day, ADI encourages other organizations to become members and to organize events in their area. After the event, they release a report on the events which took place and the success of each. If you want to participate, you can organize local events by contacting the Alzheimer’s association in your country and/or state by making donations to help fund repeat events. It is not a perquisite to have dementia or to be caring for someone with dementia to participate in events or host events in honor of World Alzheimer’s Day. With more people participating, awareness is raised about dementia, and we step a little bit closer to eliminating the disease altogether.

 

How World Alzheimer’s Day Affects Assisted Living Facilities in Marietta, GA

This day is especially significant for those who have families affected by dementia because it gives them an opportunity to spend time with others who understand what they and their loved one are going through. Many of those who place their elder loved ones who suffer from Alzheimer’s in assisted living in Marietta, GA grapple with feelings of helplessness, and coming together on one day a year to show their support can make all the difference in the world. By promoting research, support, understanding and compassion through a growing initiative to fight the disease, Alzheimer associations can see tangible results on World Alzheimer’s Day.

 

Dogwood Forest Marietta Can Provide the Nurturing Environment You’re Looking For

Seniors living in Georgia who suffer from Alzheimer’s and/or dementia deserve to lead a peaceful, safe lifestyle within a diverse, active and nurturing community. Dogwood Forest’s Marietta location is one of few assisted living facilities that can provide this lifestyle, offering non-drug methods for supporting and helping those who suffer from this debilitating disease. Contact Dogwood Forest Marietta for more information.

Read More