World Alzheimer’s Month - 2025
Every September, communities on every continent unite under one shared purpose: to confront the stigma of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, to share knowledge, and to encourage compassionate action.
This month-long observance is known as World Alzheimer’s Month - and it’s more than just a series of events. It is a reminder that dementia is not an abstract statistic but a deeply human reality, one that touches families, friendships, and societies everywhere.
For us, the cause carries a special weight. The Genius of Marian, our documentary exploring one family’s journey with Alzheimer’s, reflects many of the same values that this campaign champions: dignity, connection, and the preservation of memory. While this guide is not about our film, its spirit is woven into these words.
Here, you’ll find the history, the meaning, and the enduring relevance of World Alzheimer’s Month - and how you can take part.
Quick Facts: World Alzheimer’s Month
What it is: A global campaign in September to raise awareness of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.
Organized by: Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI)
First launched: World Alzheimer’s Day began in 1994; expanded to a full month in 2012.
Key date: September 21 - World Alzheimer’s Day
Global reach: Events in over 100 countries every year
Why it matters: Alzheimer’s affects over 55 million people worldwide, with a new case diagnosed every 3 seconds.
For our team, this month carries special significance and reflects the same values at the heart of the campaign - remembrance, empathy, and the power of personal stories. While this guide is not about our film, we hope the spirit of it comes through as we explore the history, meaning, and impact of World Alzheimer’s Month.
What Is World Alzheimer’s Month?
At its core, World Alzheimer’s Month is an annual, global awareness campaign led by Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI). It runs throughout September and aims to break down misconceptions, promote understanding, and advocate for better support systems. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia, a condition affecting memory, thinking, behavior, and the ability to carry out daily tasks. Yet, despite its prevalence, stigma and misinformation still surround it.
The month is anchored by World Alzheimer’s Day on September 21, a focal point for events, media coverage, and policy discussions. But the thirty days of September provide a much-needed canvas for deeper engagement - from large-scale public initiatives to quiet moments of conversation between friends.
Raise awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias
Challenge the stigma surrounding cognitive decline
Advocate for early diagnosis and access to support
Unite individuals, caregivers, organizations, and governments in action
The month includes World Alzheimer’s Day on September 21, the focal point for many events, announcements, and fundraising activities.
A Brief History of Alzheimer’s Awareness
The roots of World Alzheimer’s Month go back to 1994, when Alzheimer’s Disease International designated September 21 as World Alzheimer’s Day. At that time, dementia awareness was minimal in most countries, and public discussion of memory loss was often avoided. Families navigated the disease privately, sometimes without clear guidance or support. The introduction of a single, coordinated day of recognition created a rallying point - a way to bring the conversation into the open.
Through the late 1990s and early 2000s, momentum built. National Alzheimer’s associations began to form in greater numbers, organizing events and distributing educational materials. Walks for awareness, public lectures, and media stories began to surface each September.
By 2012, it was clear that a single day wasn’t enough. The campaign officially expanded into World Alzheimer’s Month, allowing advocates to host multiple events, reach more communities, and generate sustained media attention. The change reflected a growing understanding: dementia awareness isn’t a one-day task. It’s an ongoing dedication.
World Alzheimer’s Month Timeline
This timeline outlines the major steps in the development of World Alzheimer’s Month, along with other notable events in the global fight against dementia:
1994: The first World Alzheimer’s Day is marked in countries around the globe. It’s a small but significant start - a coordinated acknowledgment that Alzheimer’s is a public health issue, not just a private struggle.
Late 1990s: National advocacy groups multiply. Helplines, caregiver support networks, and educational resources become more accessible. Families start to feel less alone.
2000s: Public engagement gains pace. Television and print media take notice, bringing the conversation into millions of homes. Awareness walks and fundraising events become annual fixtures.
2008: Research highlighting early detection reshapes messaging. The idea that changes in the brain can occur years before symptoms strengthens the call for early assessment.
2012: World Alzheimer’s Month launches, transforming September into a sustained period of action. Global participation grows rapidly.
Mid-2010s: Over 100 countries are hosting events. The movement’s diversity is striking - from urban conferences to rural storytelling gatherings.
2020: The COVID-19 pandemic forces a pivot to digital campaigns. Virtual walks, webinars, and film screenings keep the conversation alive.
2024: Thirty years after the first World Alzheimer’s Day, the campaign remains a powerful driver of public awareness, advocacy, and support.
2025: The FDA clears the first blood test designed to help diagnose Alzheimer’s disease, earlier than ever possible before.
Why Alzheimer’s Awareness Matters
Today, more than 55 million people worldwide live with dementia. A new case is diagnosed roughly every three seconds. Behind these numbers are people - parents, partners, friends, and neighbors whose lives are altered in ways both visible and invisible. Awareness is not a passive concept; it is a catalyst for change.
According to the World Health Organization:
Over 55 million people worldwide live with dementia.
Alzheimer’s disease accounts for 60–70% of those cases.
A new case is diagnosed every three seconds.
Beyond statistics, Alzheimer’s impacts families, communities, and health systems. Awareness campaigns help:
Reduce stigma so people feel comfortable seeking help
Encourage early diagnosis, leading to better care and planning
Promote prevention strategies, including healthy lifestyle choices
Support caregivers through resources and shared experiences
How to Participate in World Alzheimer’s Month
You don’t have to lead a large campaign to contribute meaningfully. Your actions can be as personal as a conversation or as public as an event.
Some choose to educate themselves - attending webinars, reading caregiver accounts, or learning about risk-reduction strategies. Others participate in local events, from memory walks to art exhibits that explore the theme of memory and identity. Even small gestures, such as wearing purple or sharing verified information on social media, play a role in amplifying awareness.
At Home
Wear purple, the official color of Alzheimer’s awareness, throughout September.
Share your own story or experience with Alzheimer’s on social media.
Learn the early signs and symptoms of dementia and discuss them with family.
In Your Community
Host a Genius of Marian screening and invite friends and neighbors who have had their families affected by the disease, or wish to learn more about it. Simply fill out this form and we’ll help you arrange the event at no cost. You’ll also find a toolkit of resources you can use to promote your event - including discussion and facilitator’s guides and additional materials.
Organize or attend a local memory walk or awareness event.
Partner with libraries, community centers, or senior organizations to host educational talks.
Encourage local businesses to display Alzheimer’s awareness posters.
Online
Post facts and resources using the hashtag #WorldAlzMonth.
Link to reputable Alzheimer’s organizations so followers can learn more.
Share articles, videos, Alzheimer’s documentaries or infographics that challenge stigma and promote understanding.
And participation isn’t limited to September. The relationships, knowledge, and advocacy started this month can carry forward all year.
Global Reach and Local Impact
While World Alzheimer’s Month is global in scope, its success depends on local participation. A small-town awareness walk is just as important as a major city conference. Each action contributes to a collective shift in how dementia is understood and addressed.
Some countries use September to lobby for policy change, while others focus on grassroots education. In all cases, the month provides a unifying framework for action and visibility.
Alzheimer’s Disease Research Progress
As populations age, the urgency of dementia awareness will only increase. Advances in research - from biomarker testing to potential new treatments -will require parallel growth in public understanding. Without awareness, even the best tools can go underused.
One of the most significant developments came in May 2025, when the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the first blood test for early Alzheimer’s diagnosis. This test detects abnormal amyloid beta protein in the blood, a biomarker linked to Alzheimer’s disease, and offers a far less invasive and more affordable option than PET scans or spinal taps.
While it is not yet a definitive diagnostic tool, it has the potential to dramatically expand early screening, giving people the opportunity to seek further evaluation, join clinical trials, and plan for their future sooner. You can read more about the approval in our detailed guide to the FDA’s first Alzheimer’s blood test.
World Alzheimer’s Month will continue to serve as both an annual check-in and a call to sustained action. The future of dementia care depends on a foundation of knowledge, empathy, and advocacy that is built month by month, year by year.
Resources for Learning and Support
For further reading, advocacy materials, and research updates, consider visiting:
Carrying the Message Forward
Thirty years ago, World Alzheimer’s Day was a small but significant first step. Today, World Alzheimer’s Month stands as a testament to the power of persistence and collaboration. It is a month that belongs to everyone - those living with dementia, their families, healthcare professionals, researchers, and the wider community.
For those of us who have witnessed Alzheimer’s up close, as in The Genius of Marian, the month is also personal. It’s a reminder of what is at stake and an invitation to take part in something larger than ourselves. Whether you share a fact, attend an event, or simply listen to someone’s story, you are part of the movement.
This September, let’s keep talking, keep learning - and keep remembering.