PAHO and Alzheimer’s Disease International join forces to end stigma around dementia – PAHO/WHO

Washington DC, September 4, 2024 (PAHO) – The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI) today launched the #TimeToActOnDementia campaign, a joint initiative to raise awareness about dementia and address the stigma surrounding the disease in the Americas.

Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders are estimated to affect an estimated 10.3 million people in the Americas and are among the leading causes of death in people aged 60 and older. Unfortunately, people living with these conditions are often subject to stigma and discrimination, and with the number of people living with dementia projected to nearly triple by 2050, now is the time to promote a better understanding of this condition.

This joint campaign aims to raise awareness by opening up debates about dementia on television, social media, newspapers and radio, and to address current perceptions and attitudes about the condition.

“We must recognize dementia as a public health priority and invest accordingly in risk reduction, continuity of health and social care, and dementia-friendly initiatives that promote participation, safety, and inclusion of people with dementia and their caregivers,” said PAHO Director Dr. Jarbas Barbosa.

A recent Publication in The Lancet A recent ADI study has shown that up to 45% of all dementia could be delayed, slowed or even prevented. “New treatments represent a beacon of hope, but we also need to change perceptions about dementia,” said ADI Director General Paola Barbarino. “This is equally true for healthcare professionals and the general public. Many still mistakenly believe that dementia is a normal part of ageing, denying people access to timely diagnosis, treatment, care and support. By raising awareness and tackling stigma, we can unlock much more effective combined treatment and care solutions for those most in need.”

To address the global burden of dementia, the World Health Organization (WHO) developed the Global Action Plan on the Public Health Response to Dementia 2017–2025, which was formally adopted by all Member States in 2017 at the 70th World Health Assembly. The Plan outlines seven areas of action to reduce the burden of dementia, including increasing support for those caring for people with dementia and addressing dementia-related risk factors such as physical inactivity, obesity and unhealthy diets. Inter alia.

The Time to Act Against Dementia campaign begins on September 4 and will run throughout September and October, with September 21 being Alzheimer’s Day. PAHO and ADI encourage governments, ministries of health, associations working in the field of dementia, and civil society to participate in this campaign and share its messages. Dementia is not part of normal aging, and there are ways to reduce the risk of developing it. Visit the campaign website and download the toolkit.

World Alzheimer’s Month is an initiative promoted by ADI every September to raise awareness about dementia and provide information and resources to people living with dementia and their careers. September 2024 marks the 13th anniversary of World Alzheimer’s Month.

Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI) is an international federation of 105 Alzheimer’s and dementia associations from around the world and maintains official relations with the World Health Organization. ADI’s vision is prevention, care and inclusion today, and cure tomorrow.

ADI believes that the key to winning the fight against dementia lies in a unique combination of global solutions and local knowledge. That is why ADI works at a local level to empower Alzheimer’s and dementia associations to promote and offer care and support to people with dementia and their carers, while working globally to focus attention on dementia and campaign for government policy change.