World Alzheimer’s Month Highlights Importance of Early Diagnosis

September marks World Alzheimer’s Month, an international campaign dedicated to raising awareness about dementia, challenging stigma and encouraging greater support for people living with dementia and their families. In 2026, the campaign celebrates its 15th anniversary.

This year’s theme, “The Earlier You Know, The More You Can Do: A Dementia Diagnosis Matters,” places particular emphasis on the importance of early and accurate diagnosis.

Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI), which coordinates the worldwide campaign, hopes the message will help address some of the fear, stigma and misinformation that can prevent people from seeking help when they begin noticing possible signs of dementia.

A diagnosis can be an important first step toward receiving appropriate treatment, care and support. It can also give individuals and their families an opportunity to better understand what is happening and begin making decisions about the future.

One of the most important messages of World Alzheimer’s Month is that dementia is not a normal part of aging. Yet misconceptions about the condition remain widespread. According to ADI, 65 percent of health and care professionals incorrectly believe dementia is a normal part of aging. Fear and stigma can also create barriers: 46 percent of people living with dementia and caregivers identified fear of diagnosis and stigma as obstacles to receiving a diagnosis.

The number of people affected by dementia makes awareness increasingly important. More than 55 million people worldwide are currently living with dementia, and someone develops dementia approximately every three seconds. That number is projected to increase to 78 million by 2030 and 139 million by 2050.

There is also growing evidence that dementia risk is not necessarily beyond an individual’s influence. Research cited by ADI suggests that addressing 14 modifiable risk factors could delay or potentially prevent as many as 45 percent of dementia cases.

For those who do receive a diagnosis, medical treatment is only one part of the support that may be needed. Social activities, rehabilitation, respite care, reminiscence programs, accessible and dementia-friendly environments, and other forms of social support can help people living with dementia maintain their independence while also supporting their caregivers.

Caregivers themselves are significantly affected by dementia. More than half of caregivers worldwide report that their health has suffered because of their caregiving responsibilities. Globally, the amount of unpaid care provided to people with dementia living at home each year is equivalent to the work of 67 million full-time employees. Women provide approximately two-thirds of primary dementia care worldwide.

Despite the challenges associated with receiving a dementia diagnosis, being informed can also provide a sense of empowerment. Evidence cited in the World Alzheimer’s Month campaign suggests that when people with dementia and their families are properly prepared and supported, the shock, anger and grief that can accompany a diagnosis may be balanced by feelings of reassurance and empowerment.

Throughout September, organizations and individuals around the world will participate in advocacy efforts, educational programs, Memory Walks, fundraising events and other activities designed to increase understanding of dementia and reduce the stigma surrounding it.

The message behind this year’s World Alzheimer’s Month campaign is ultimately a simple one: noticing possible symptoms and seeking answers should not be something to fear or hide. With earlier knowledge can come greater access to treatment, support, planning and the resources that can help people living with dementia continue to live as independently as possible.

The earlier you know, the more you can do.