The most important facts you need to know on World Alzheimer's Day

Updated
World Alzheimer's Month with Kristi Campbell
World Alzheimer's Month with Kristi Campbell


Unfortunately, most of us know someone suffering from Alzheimer's Disease right now. In fact, just in the United States alone, there are over 5.3 million people living with the disease.

See more: This tableware is specifically made for people with Alzheimer's

September 21 is World Alzheimer's Day, a day in which Alzheimer's organizations around the world concentrate their efforts on raising awareness about the disease, as well as Dementia. While the words are usually used interchangeably, Dementia refers to a group of symptoms, while Alzheimer's is the disease.

Alzheimer'S Disease, Scan
Alzheimer'S Disease, Scan


According to Web MD, there are seven stages of Alzheimer's Disease, which range from "Normal Outward Behavior" to "Very Severe Decline." In the very beginning stages, experts say "red flags" to look out for include forgetting something you just read, asking the same question over and over, trouble making plans or organizing, and not being able to remember names when meeting new people.

Looking for that magic cure? Countless sources out there say this one food, or that one vitamin will prevent or cure Alzheimer's Disease, but unfortunately this isn't the case. Web MD and the Alzheimer's Association debunked some of these popular myths and facts for us.

  • Research suggests that a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, fish, and nuts will help protect your brain.

  • Red wine will not help to reverse the disease — in fact, "no vitamin, supplement, food, or drug has been shown to cure or treat Alzheimer's."

  • If you have a parent or sibling with Alzheimer's, you are more likely to get the disease.

  • If you live to age 85, you have a 33.3% chance of getting Alzheimer's.

  • Most people live three to nine years after an Alzheimer's diagnosis.


To learn more about World Alzheimer's Day and the disease in general, visit the Alzheimer's Association's website.

Check out these annonymously submitted secrets from Whisper below:

You've never experienced true love until your grandma with Alzheimer's remembers your name after not knowing it for 10 years...
You've never experienced true love until your grandma with Alzheimer's remembers your name after not knowing it for 10 years...
Alzheimer's runs in my family and it scares me knowing that the memories I'm making now, I won't get to keep forever.
Alzheimer's runs in my family and it scares me knowing that the memories I'm making now, I won't get to keep forever.
My grandma has Alzheimer's and today was the first time she didn't remember me.... Grandma I still love you ♥
My grandma has Alzheimer's and today was the first time she didn't remember me.... Grandma I still love you ♥


The map shows the percentage breakdown state-to-state of Medicare beneficiaries that suffer from Alzheimer's Disease:


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