World Alzheimer’s Day 2025: Awareness, Compassion, and the Power of Knowledge

Every September 21st, on World Alzheimer’s Day, we pause to reflect on one of the most pressing health challenges of our time.

Alzheimer’s disease is not a rare or abstract condition. As the most common cause of dementia, it affects an estimated 55 million people worldwide. As populations age numbers will likely rise dramatically. Behind each statistic lies a human story — of lost memories, altered relationships, and the resilience of families navigating an unpredictable journey.

As a doctor working with patients and families affected by Alzheimer’s, I have learned that knowledge can be one of the most powerful tools we have. Medical science is still pushing forward researching for a cure. Equally our understanding of prevention, early detection, and long-term outcomes is evolving.

On this World Alzheimer’s Day, let’s reflect on two messages;

First, Alzheimer’s is not an inevitable part of ageing. Throughout our lifetime we have meaningful opportunities to reduce our individual risk through the choices we make now, whatever our age.

Second, a diagnosis — while daunting — opens a door to future planning, support, and using patient cantered care curates moments of joy that are still very much possible. Early post diagnostic supports assists a patient and their family to navigate their journey and be better equipped to face it.

Medicine will continue to advance, as will our understanding of this common disease. Until a time when we can prevent or cure Alzheimer’s entirely, awareness, compassion, and the determination to give those affected the fullest, richest life possible remain our best tools.

What is Alzheimer’s disease?

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder. Two abnormal proteins at a microscopic level gradually accumulate between brain cells (amyloid plaques) and inside brain cells (tau tangles). This gradual damage builds up and, over time, destroys brain cells or neurons. Over time, affected areas of the brain shrink, a process called atrophy. Alzheimer’s disease regularly disrupts brain cell communication in the hippocampus, an area of the brain responsible for forming new memories. This results in memory decline, altered thinking skills and eventually the ability to carry out tasks.

Preventing Alzheimer’s Disease

As previously mentioned, there is no cure yet for dementia. Research suggests lifestyle modifications could prevent up to 40% of dementia cases globally. Common suggestions for prevention include;

1. Manage cardiovascular risk factors

   Such as controlling high blood pressure, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, and obesity, as all increase the risk of dementia.

2. Stay physically active

   Evidence shows that regular exercise, approximately 150 minutes of moderate activity a week, can improve blood flow to the brain, reduce inflammation, and stimulate the release of growth factors that may help brain cells stay healthy.

3. Eat a brain-healthy diet

   Certain diets, such as the Mediterranean diet and the MIND diet (a hybrid of Mediterranean and DASH diets), have been linked to lower rates of cognitive decline.

4. Keep mentally and socially engaged

   Building the brain’s resilience to damage by means of learning a new skill, reading widely, playing an instrument, or simply engaging in regular conversation can help build cognitive reserve. Being socially engaged can also reduce your risk as social isolation is a risk factor for dementia.

5. Prioritise quality sleep

   Adults should aim for 7–9 hours of restorative sleep each night (not aided by medications). Poor sleep patterns, particularly untreated conditions such as sleep apnoea, have been associated with increased amyloid build-up in the brain and cognitive decline as a result.

6. Avoid head injuries, polypharmacy, smoking and excess alcohol

   Repeated head trauma, even mild concussions, can increase dementia risk later in life. Taking steps to reduce trauma risk, such as seat belt use, helmet use when cycling, and fall prevention, could reduce the risk of cognitive decline in later life. Equally, avoiding toxins such as illicit drugs, taking too many inappropriate prescribed medications (polypharmacy), smoking, and excess alcohol intake may also reduce your risk.

Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease

Many people or their families notice subtle changes such as forgetting recent conversations, misplacing items, struggling with familiar tasks, or having difficulty finding words. While occasional forgetfulness can happen, memory loss affecting your ability to undertake your normal activities of daily living “ADLs” is not normal and should prompt a medical assessment.

It is also important to note that not all memory loss is linked with dementia, as many other issues can cause memory loss. Early diagnosis is valuable for several reasons. It allows people to access support and treatments sooner, to plan ahead legally and financially, and to make lifestyle changes that may slow progression. Importantly, it also allows time to address other treatable conditions that could worsen cognitive symptoms.

The diagnostic process typically involves:

1. Detailed history-taking.

   A health professional will talk to both the patient and someone who knows them well. Often, family members can provide examples of changes the patient may not have noticed.

2. Cognitive testing

   Simple paper-and-pencil tests (like the Mini-Mental State Examination or the Montreal Cognitive Assessment) can reveal patterns of memory and thinking problems.

3. Physical and neurological examination

   A healthcare professional will conduct a physical exam and likely take some blood tests. They use this to help rule out other causes of cognitive symptoms, such as thyroid disorders, vitamin deficiencies, depression, side effects from medications or another medical diagnosis.

4. Brain imaging

   Depending on what is available to the service a MRI or CT scans will help identify structural changes, such as shrinkage (atrophy) in certain brain areas, and exclude other conditions like tumours or strokes.

5. Specialist tests

   In some cases, higher level tests such PET scans or cerebrospinal fluid analysis can detect amyloid and tau proteins. These are more common in research settings but are becoming more widely available.

Living Well with Alzheimer’s

While a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s is life-changing for the individual and their family it is not the end of life. Many people with Alzheimer’s continue to travel, paint, garden, sing in choirs, and enjoy rich relationships for years after diagnosis with their loved ones. Support groups such as the Alzheimer’s Society of Ireland, dementia cafes, day programmes, and respite care can be lifelines for both patients and families.

It’s also important to address the emotional impact of an Alzheimer’s diagnosis. Depression and anxiety are common in both patients and carers. Counselling, peer support, and honest conversations with loved ones and healthcare professionals can help families adapt to the changes.

Expert Dementia Education via the RCPI Professional Diploma with iheed

The Royal College of Physicians of Ireland (RCPI) Professional Diploma in Geriatric Medicine, delivered online by iheed, offers healthcare professionals an internationally recognised pathway to advance their skills in caring for older adults with dementia. Designed for doctors and nurses in acute, community, or long-term care, the programme focuses on neurocognitive and psychiatric disorders, with Module 2 dedicated to dementia.

Key topics include:

• Dementia incidence, prevalence, and its economic and social impact

• Pathophysiology and common dementia syndromes

• Assessment, investigation, and management of cognitive concerns

• Understanding the cognitive spectrum in older adults

• Disclosing a dementia diagnosis and providing post-diagnostic support

• Dementia risk factors and prevention strategies

• Potential role and challenges of disease-modifying treatments in Alzheimer’s dementia