World Alzheimer’s Month is an international campaign every September to raise awareness and challenge the stigma surrounding Dementia. The campaign theme for World Alzheimer’s Month 2022 is Know Dementia, Know Alzheimer’s, with the campaign message of Together, we can do so much.

Currently, there are more than 50 million people in the world with Dementia. This number is expected to rise to over 150 million by 2050. In addition, over 50% of family caregivers globally say their health has suffered due to caring for a loved one, even though they have positive feelings about taking on the role. Being the primary caregiver of a family member diagnosed with Dementia can cause overwhelming physical and emotional stress.

Alzheimer’s disease has taken over from cancer to become the U.S.’s most feared disease. It kills more people in the U.S. annually than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined. It’s also now the number one cause of death in England and Wales. There is a new case in the world every three seconds. Blink twice, and that’s another one.

Professional home care can provide relief for many struggling families by offering various services while keeping your loved one in their own home. In addition, if your loved one is a wartime Veteran, spouse, or surviving spouse of a Veteran, they may be eligible for the VA Pension with Aid and Attendance to help pay for home care services.

Use September to inform others about Alzheimer’s and Dementia around the world. Be a beacon to family caregivers who need support through this challenging journey. For more information, visit www.worldalzmonth.org.

Avatar photo

About Cheryl Hammons CFE, CSA

Cheryl Hammons is an experienced home care professional, published author, and frequent speaker. She has held several roles throughout her 12 years in the home care industry, including training, support, and operations. She currently serves as Strategic Partnership Director at Veterans Care Coordination where she focuses on building value-driven relationships, developing revenue-generating programs, and creating educational materials for home care partner companies. Cheryl is the author of "Embracing a New Normal: Dealing with Grief" and "Respecting Religious Differences in Home Care."