Alzheimer’s is a fatal, progressive disease impacting at least 44 million people worldwide, yet it is widely misunderstood. According to an Alzheimer’s Association 12-country survey, 59 per cent of people surveyed incorrectly believe that Alzheimer’s disease is a typical part of ageing, and 40 per cent believe that Alzheimer’s is not fatal.
During the inaugural Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month this June, the Alzheimer’s Association has initiated a global conversation about the Alzheimer’s crisis and asking people around the world to use their brains to fight the disease.
The survey, conducted in Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Denmark, Germany, Japan, India, Mexico, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom, also found that 37 per cent of people surveyed incorrectly believe that you have to have a family history to be at risk for Alzheimer’s disease.
The Alzheimer’s Association 2014 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report, released in March, found that nearly a quarter (24 per cent) of Americans hold the same mistaken belief, despite advancing age being the greatest risk factor for Alzheimer’s.
“Alzheimer’s is a devastating disease that slowly robs people of their independence and eventually their lives,” said Harry Johns, president and CEO of the Alzheimer’s Association.
“Sadly, Alzheimer’s disease knows no bounds. Anyone with a brain is at risk for Alzheimer’s disease, so everyone with a brain should join the fight against it.” Despite lack of understanding of the severity of Alzheimer’s, it is still one of the most feared diseases. When asked what disease or condition they were most afraid of getting, a quarter of people selected Alzheimer’s (23 per cent), second only to cancer (42 per cent). When asked what disease or condition they were most afraid of a loved one getting, a third of people in Japan (34 per cent), Canada (32 per cent) and the UK (33 per cent) selected Alzheimer’s.
When considering health priorities, 96 per cent of people surveyed said that being self-sufficient and not depending on others – an inevitability as Alzheimer’s disease progresses – is important. Being able to pay for long-term care (88 per cent ) and caring for elderly parents at home (86 per cent) were also important.
Anyone with a brain is at risk for Alzheimer’s disease
These feelings are nearly universal, with 98 per cent of Americans saying that being self-sufficient and not depending on others is important, as is the ability to care for elderly parents at home (91 per cent) and being able to pay for long-term care (89 per cent), according to the Alzheimer’s Association Facts and Figures report.
Unless something is done to change its course, worldwide prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias will soar to 76 million by 2030 and threaten economies around the globe. A large majority of people surveyed – 71 per cent – say that the government is responsible for helping find a cure or a way to prevent Alzheimer’s.
“Despite an obvious and large knowledge gap, people around the world still recognise the threat the Alzheimer’s crisis presents and hold their government accountable for finding a cure and prevention,” said Johns. “In the US and among the G7, federal governments have committed to preventing and effectively treating Alzheimer’s disease by 2025. We must hold our leaders responsible for investing in the research needed to realise that goal.”
The mistaken belief that Alzheimer’s is a typical part of ageing was highest in India (84 per cent), Saudi Arabia (81 per cent) and China (80 per cent).
The UK and Mexico had the highest recognition that Alzheimer’s is not a typical part of ageing (62 per cent), but 37 per cent and 38 per cent, respectively, were still misinformed.
More than half of people surveyed in Germany (56 per cent), Mexico (55 per cent) and Brazil (53 per cent) do not realise that Alzheimer’s is fatal.
While 40 per cent were misinformed, more people aged 18 to 34 (60 per cent), 35 to 44 (61 per cent), and 45 to 54 (58 per cent) agreed that Alzheimer’s is a fatal disease than people aged over 60 (53 per cent).
During Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month, people around the world are coming together today to raise awareness and funds for the fight against Alzheimer’s disease. Teams will participate in The Longest Day, a sunrise-to-sunset event to honour the strength, passion and endurance of those living with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers.
To start or join a team, visit alz.org/thelongestday.
For more information on Alzheimer’s disease and the inaugural Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month, visit http://alz.org/abam .
Ways to help fight the disease
Ways to join the fight against Alzheimer’s disease during June include:
• Sharing the facts: post and tweet about Alzheimer’s disease and brain risk throughout the month. If you have a brain, you are at risk for Alzheimer’s disease;
• Being social: turn Facebook purple using an END ALZ graphic as your profile picture;
• Going purple: wear purple all month but especially today, June 21, the longest day of the year, to support those facing the devastation of Alzheimer’s disease every day;
• Using your brain to learn about Alzheimer’s disease. Take the Brain Tour at alz.org (available in 15 languages).