Saturday September 21 is World Alzheimer’s Day, a day when we reflect together on the huge impact of dementia! A report, recently presented by the Alzheimer Europe association, estimates that currently 8.8 million people live with Alzheimer’s in the European Union. It’s estimated that in 2050 it will affect more than 16 million people!
What is dementia?
Dementia is an umbrella term for more than 50 brain diseases. It is the name for a combination of symptoms (a syndrome) in which the brain can no longer process information properly. Alzheimer’s is the most common type of dementia. Dementia develops slowly, often over a period of decades. There is no single cause of dementia, but over the years more and more risk factors are known to increase the risk of dementia including, an unhealthy lifestyle, heredity and other diseases and conditions.
Symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease
Most people immediately think of memory problems when they think of Alzheimer’s. And that’s right! But other symptoms can also occur, including disorientation in time and place, difficulty with language and speech and difficulty with everyday actions, among others.
Did you know?
Scientists think we can prevent dementia if we live healthier, which could result in 30 per cent fewer cases of the disease! The main risk factors for dementia include high blood pressure, obesity, alcohol, diabetes, smoking, elevated cholesterol, unhealthy diet, low exercise and low social interaction.
Forget-me-Not!
WTC Schiphol Airport believes it is important to create more awareness on the subject of Alzheimer’s. How to recognise symptoms, how to cope with Alzheimer’s and just as important, how to prevent Alzheimer’s!
Starting Thursday September 12, the campaign ‘Imagine going blank and…. ‘ will be shown in WTC Schiphol Airport. In addition, Thursday September 12, from 12 to 1 pm, volunteers will be present during lunch at Juliet’s Kitchen to give a brief explanation and hand out a ‘Forget-me-not’ bracelet or keychain!
Wear a ‘Forget-me-Not’ on World Alzheimer’s Day (Saturday September 21) and join us in reflecting on the impact of dementia!