For the last six years, September 21 has been deemedWorld Alzheimer’s Day, and the entire month of September is dedicated to raising awareness around the condition of dementia. Throughout the world, millions of older adults have Alzheimer’sand cognitive impairment health issues, but there remains a stigma around the all-too-common condition of dementia. It is estimated that two out of every three people globally believe that there is little to no understanding of how dementia impacts the population, giving World Alzheimer’s Month a concrete purpose. Throughout the month of September, small steps can be taken to help improve understanding of the debilitating condition, starting first with a better knowledge of how far-reaching dementia is and why it is so often misdiagnosed. Dementia By the Numbers The reason Alzheimer’s and dementia requires a month to increase understanding and awareness of the condition is the vast impact the conditions are predicted to have on the world’s healthcare systems over the next several years. The current number of individuals with dementia is estimated at 46 million, but the total patient population living with the condition could rise to more than 131 million by 2050. There is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s or dementia, and because of this stark reality, health careproviders, loved ones of those living with the disease, and community support organisationsneed additional resources to help care for dementia patients. The financial burden of the health condition is now more than $818 billion, and that is slated to increase significantly without a found cure. Dementia and Alzheimer’s can impact anyone in their later years, and the conditions are often debilitating. The disease is a neurological disorder that takes place when brain cells die off, leaving those diagnosed with memory loss and overall cognitive decline. Those living with Alzheimer’s disease may face many struggles as the condition progresses, including an inability to make sound decisions, financial difficulties, impaired vision and speech, and severe mood swings and depression. These issues create challenges in caring for adults with dementia unless the disease is caughtin its early stages. For this reason, a proper diagnosis and timely treatment plan are necessary. Problems with Misdiagnosis Although the prevalence of Alzheimer’s and dementia are high among adult populations throughout the world, misdiagnosis is a common problem for patients. A group of specialist in medical negligence claims shares that Alzheimer’s disease can present in many different forms, but there are several conditions that mimicthis type of cognitive impairment. An estimated two in every ten patients are given the wrong diagnosis initially because Alzheimer’s is mistaken for another health condition with similar symptoms. Patients may actuallybe experiencing a type of reversible dementia such as delirium, which alters mental function over a short period of time. With delirium cases, the quick onset of the condition is one tell-tale sign that Alzheimer’s is not the root causeof cognitive impairment. Thisis because Alzheimer’s disease takes several months to several years to develop and cause declines in mental capacity. However, an incorrect diagnosis of Alzheimer’s for delirium, or vice versa, may lead to serious negative consequences for the patient. Delirium may be treatedwhen caught quickly, with medication and close observation. Alzheimer’s has no cure, but an early diagnosis can lead to better management of symptoms to slow mental decline. In addition to delirium, Alzheimer’s patients may be incorrectly diagnosedwith a mental health condition like depression or anxiety, a B12 vitamin deficiency, or Parkinson’s Disease. Each of these medical issues requiresa different form of treatment, but helping the individual live a full and healthy life is only possible with the right diagnosis. Getting Involved While the need for early intervention for Alzheimer’s and dementia may seem like an uphill battle for healthcare organisations and family members of older individuals, it is madeeasier when a better understanding of cognitive impairment is gained. During World Alzheimer’s Monththis September, individuals impacted by Alzheimer’s along with organisations and local community groups wanting to raise awareness can get involved easily. This may take the form of a donation to the cause, by coordinating an awareness event in the community, or by simply educating one’s self on the condition, its warning signs, and ways to reach the right diagnosis earlier in the process. Through the World Alzheimer’s Month website, educational resources are available at no cost, along with materials related to this year’s campaign. Several toolkits, posters, social media posts, and even materials can be downloaded and distributed through September to help increase understanding of Alzheimer’s and dementia. Taking a small step in participating in the initiative through World Alzheimer’s Month and beyond can make a world of difference for those living with or caring for someone with the debilitating disease.