World Alzheimers Month

September 21 is World Alzheimers Day, every year on this day our international partner, Alzheimers Disease International, release the World Alzheimers Report. This years report is about overcoming the stigma of dementia, to read the Alzheimers New Zealand press release about this report please click here. To download a copy of the full report please click here.

September 2012 is the first World Alzheimers Month with awareness raising events taking nationwide. 

Every year since 1994 Alzheimer organisations have observed World Alzheimer's Day on 21 September and the day will continue to play and important and key role during the World Alzheimers Month.

The theme for World Alzheimer's Month 2012 is 'Dementia: Living together'. Activities will focus on reducing the stigma which is associated with dementia and making communities more dementia-friendly. Alzheimers New Zealand is also launching its awareness campaign on the first week of September to kick of the month.

Activities during the month will include educational seminars, workshops and social events throughout our local organisations for people with dementia and their carers. To find out what is going on in your area or if you would like to support local efforts get in touch with your local Alzheimers organisation by calling 0800 004 001. Many of our local organisations will also be running their street appeal throughout September, so be sure to show your support and give generously to our collectors.

As part of World Alzheimer’s Month we will also be launching a report with our partners Alzheimers Disease International detailing the effects dementia has on the global economy and the true impact dementia has on our societies and health care systems. The report will hopefully attract our nation’s media attention and prompt government to recognise dementia as a national health priority and improve funding for the sector.

Every year for World Alzheimers Month, Alzheimers New Zealand provides stickers, posters and badges which are available from your local Alzheimers organisation. Putting up posters in public places in your community or wearing the official World Alzheimers badge shows your support and draws attention to the issue, helping to raise awareness.