September is World Alzheimer’s Month and World Alzheimer’s Day is on September 21st each year. World Alzheimer’s Month is an initiative of Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI), the umbrella organization of 94 Alzheimer associations around the globe. Whether you are an individual or part of an organization, let’s spread the word out and join these awareness campaigns!

WHY DO WE NEED TO PARTICIPATE?

A systematic literature review & meta-analysis published in 2017 by international researchers from UK, Australia, and China reveals that the rate of undetected dementia is about 61.7% in the community or residential care settings worldwide [Read More]. Specifically, the rate of under-detection was higher in seniors <70 years old, with a higher prevalence in community setting (vs residential/nursing care) and in developing countries (e.g., China and India) comparing to developed countries in Europe and North America.

HOW CAN WE TAKE ACTIONS AND RAISE AWARENESS?

The eSLUMS team have gathered some resources and we are happy to share some tips with you.

1. Download these free campaign materials (in multiple languages) and post on your social media; share dementia awareness videos such as the one below.
2. Participate in a local event (worldwide) with your family, friends, coworkers, and people from your community. This is not only a great opportunity to bond with people but also contribute to a good social cause. eSLUMS team is based in California and there are various great events in Southern California such as “Walk for Alzheimer’s” in Orange County on November 10th, 2018, as November is the U.S. National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness and caregiver month. So you still have time to plan for it!
3. If you are a healthcare practitioner, stay informed with recent research by going to research conferences and educational seminars. For instance, on September 21st, 2018, Alzheimer’s Orange County and UCI MIND will host the 29th Annual Southern California Alzheimer’s Disease Research Conference. During the conference, speakers will share findings from past trials and current trials of promising new treatments. Don’t wait until the research paper is out, because patient education cannot wait and our patient deserves the latest information.

Last but not least, early cognitive screening is IMPORTANT.

So if you haven’t tried eSLUMS, DOWNLOAD NOW and check it out!