World Alzheimer's Month

Categories:: Health
Tags:: Awareness Mental Health
Where:: World
Date change rule:: Every September
Holiday emoji:: 💜

World Alzheimer’s Month dedicates the entire month of September to raising global awareness for Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia. This observance encourages education, advocacy, and support for those affected. Join the movement to understand the disease, reduce stigma, and champion research efforts.

Deals
Platforms
Social
Brands
Hero
Timeline
Businesses
FAQs
Importance
Observe

Expected World Alzheimer's Month Deals

World Alzheimer’s Month focuses on fundraising and awareness rather than commercial deals. Organizations like the Alzheimer’s Association and Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI) lead global campaigns, often partnering with corporate sponsors for donation matching programs and public education initiatives. Look for local events, charity walks, and online drives where companies like Starbucks or CVS Health may offer opportunities to round up purchases for donations or sell branded merchandise supporting research. Pharmaceutical companies such as Biogen and Eli Lilly, deeply involved in Alzheimer’s research, often highlight their advancements and patient support programs throughout the month. We will update this page with confirmed live opportunities to contribute as September approaches.

Platform Guide for World Alzheimer's Month

Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and use #WorldAlzheimersMonth. Share professional insights on brain health or corporate social responsibility initiatives.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #WorldAlzheimersMonth. Share personal stories, host live Q&A sessions with experts, or promote local support groups.

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #WorldAlzheimersMonth. Share real-time news updates on research breakthroughs, advocate for policy changes, or participate in awareness campaigns.

World Alzheimer's Month Hero

Alois Alzheimer

Dr. Alois Alzheimer (1864–1915) was a German psychiatrist and neuropathologist credited with identifying the first published case of 'presenile dementia,' which was later named Alzheimer's disease in 1910. His groundbreaking work in examining brain tissue led to the discovery of the plaques and tangles that are hallmarks of the disease, laying the foundation for future research.

World Alzheimer's Month timeline

1994

World Alzheimer's Day was first observed

Alzheimer Disease International, founded in 1984, announced the first World Alzheimer's Day, to be observed on September 21.

1901

Alzheimer identified the first case

German psychiatrist Alois Alzheimer identified the first case of what would later become known as Alzheimer's disease. The patient was a 50-year-old German woman.

1600

Shakespeare wrote about it

In the late 1500s and early 1600s, William Shakespeare mentioned the loss of mental acuity in old age in some of his great plays, including "Hamlet" and "King Lear."

7th Century BC

Pythagoras spoke of "a human lifespan"

Greek philosopher Pythagoras described the later years of human life as the "senium," or a period of mental and physical decline.

How Businesses Can Celebrate World Alzheimer's Month

Local businesses can significantly contribute to World Alzheimer’s Month by hosting fundraising events, such as a ‘Purple Day’ where a portion of sales goes to an Alzheimer’s charity. Businesses can also provide educational materials about the disease in their establishments or offer special recognition to employees who are caregivers. Partnering with local support groups to offer free workshops or resources can also demonstrate community commitment and raise vital awareness.

World Alzheimer's Month FAQs

When is World Alzheimer's Month?

World Alzheimer’s Month runs throughout September 2026, dedicating the entire month to global awareness and action. It’s a key period for advocating for better care and accelerating research.

How many people are affected by Alzheimer's?

Alzheimer’s disease affects approximately 6 percent of people aged 65 and older. Globally, millions are living with dementia, with Alzheimer’s being the most common cause.

What is the global impact of Alzheimer's disease?

Alzheimer’s disease has a profound global impact, affecting millions of individuals and their families. It is a leading cause of disability and dependency among older people worldwide, placing a significant burden on healthcare systems.

What is the difference between Alzheimer's and dementia?

Dementia is a general term for a decline in mental ability severe enough to interfere with daily life, while Alzheimer’s is the most common specific type of dementia. Alzheimer’s accounts for 60-80% of dementia cases.

How to Observe World Alzheimer's Month

Get involved
Many Alzheimer's organizations offer toolkits with which you can help spread the word. For example, you can print and distribute material.
Make a donation
There are several ways to contribute to Alzheimer's groups. You can donate monthly, or you can give a one-time gift in the name of someone you love with a so-called "tribute" donation.
Volunteer at an Alzheimer's event
Consider participating in an Alzheimer's "awareness walk." Perhaps you could volunteer to take part in a clinical trial. Find your local Alzheimer's chapter and see what you can do.

5 Important Facts About Alzheimer's Disease

It's a killer
About one in three seniors dies with Alzheimer's or another type of dementia — more than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined.
Deaths are increasing
Since 2000, deaths from Alzheimer's disease have increased by more than 120 percent.
Alzheimer's will affect more and more Americans
If current projections are accurate, by the year 2050, the number of Americans suffering from Alzheimer's disease will reach nearly 14 million.
Women are most likely to be affected
Statistics show that about two-thirds of Americans with Alzheimer's disease are women.
Hispanics are more susceptible
Statistics also show that Hispanics are about one-and-a-half times as likely to have Alzheimer's disease (or other dementias) as older, white, non-Hispanics.

Why World Alzheimer's Month is Important

Education is our best weapon
The only way to stay ahead of Alzheimer's is to arm ourselves with knowledge. That way we can take better care of ourselves and our loved ones in the hopes of preventing this disease.
It affects millions
In 2015, Alzheimer's resulted in the deaths of about 1.9 million people. It's one of the most costly diseases.
There is always hope
Although there is no known cure, there is always hope for a breakthrough. That's why it's so important to stay informed. World Alzheimer's Month is one big way to keep the conversation going.