It's been 12 years since September was declared and celebrated as World Alzheimer’s Month, a global initiative aimed at raising awareness and challenging the stigmas surrounding Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. The importance of this month cannot be overstated—by addressing the lack of understanding and knowledge about Alzheimer’s, we provide essential support to those affected by the disease.
This month-long series of events is designed to educate more people about Alzheimer’s and its profound impact on patients and their families. The campaign culminates on September 21st, known as World Alzheimer’s Day. To mark this occasion, I would like to propose a theme that resonates deeply with me: "It is never too early, never too late."
We know that Alzheimer’s disease begins years before symptoms appear, highlighting the importance of making lifelong choices that promote healthy living and aging. With the number of people living with dementia expected to triple in the next 25 years, the need to understand and act on the factors influencing cognition and dementia risk has never been more urgent.
It is crucial to emphasize the role of lifestyle risk factors in Alzheimer’s disease and the importance of adopting measures that can actively and significantly reduce these risks, thereby preventing or delaying the onset of the disease. Research shows that up to 40% of Alzheimer’s cases could be prevented by addressing modifiable risk factors such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and obesity.
Additionally, there are key concepts about the disease that we must keep in mind: “reduce the risk,” “early detection,” and “women.”
While Alzheimer’s disease cannot be entirely prevented, adopting healthy lifestyle habits can reduce the risk. Staying mentally active, engaging in regular physical activity, and maintaining a healthy diet benefit both the body and brain.
Early detection is critical. An early diagnosis allows better access to quality medical care and support services, and provides individuals with Alzheimer’s the opportunity to participate in decisions about their care, including giving informed consent for current and future plans.
It’s also important to recognize that Alzheimer’s risk is higher among women, who are more commonly diagnosed with the disease. More than two-thirds of Alzheimer’s patients are women, who have a one-in-six chance of developing the disease, compared to men who have a one-in-eleven chance.
As we continue our quest for a cure, rest assured that we are making meaningful progress through ongoing research, bringing us closer every day to that goal. However, alongside this scientific journey, it is equally important to walk a parallel path of personal progress through healthy lifestyle choices and knowledge. Each day, we can take positive steps because "it is never too early, never too late."
Domenico Praticò, MD, holds the position of the Scott Richards North Star Charitable Foundation Chair for Alzheimer’s Research and serves as a Professor and the Director at the Alzheimer’s Center at Temple, as well as a Professor of Pharmacology at Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University.
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