World Alzheimers Day 2011
Alzheimers New Zealand's National Director, Johan Vos, being interviewed on TV3's Firstline on World Alzheimers Day
Every year on 21 September, World Alzheimer’s Day unites people living with dementia around the world. From New Zealand to Zimbabwe people with dementia, carers and Alzheimer associations take part in activities to raise money and awareness of dementia.
There are currently estimated to be more than 36 million people with dementia worldwide and the number is set to rise to over 115 million by 2050. With so many people affected it is time dementia was recognised as a global health priority. We must combat stigma and ignorance so that people with dementia receive the care, treatment and attention they deserve. World Alzheimer’s Day is co-ordinated by Alzheimer’s Disease International, the federation of 76 Alzheimer associations worldwide.
Faces of Dementia was the theme for World Alzheimer’s Day (September 21) 2011. We had a successful day and month resulting in extensive media coverage, events and activites across the nation. A full report on these activities will be available soon.
As part of this years campaign we set up a website to pay tribute to the ‘true faces of dementia’. The website tells the stories of those affected by the disease through personal accounts, poems and pictures.
If you have a story to tell please email a copy to: facesofdementia@alzheimers.org.nz or send a copy to: PO Box 3643, Wellington 6140, New Zealand.
To visit our Faces of Dementia Website please go to: http://facesofdementia.alzheimers.org.nz.
