September is recognized worldwide as World Alzheimer’s Month, a special time dedicated to promoting awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. The 2025 campaign theme, “Ask About Dementia, Ask about Alzheimer’s,” encourages people to start conversations to raise awareness, reduce the stigma surrounding dementia and Alzheimer’s, and facilitate timely diagnosis and better support for those affected.

Alzheimer’s awareness is not just about recognizing symptoms. It is also about promoting understanding, reducing stigma, and supporting patients and caregivers through resources, education, and compassionate care. At Ascend Hospice Care, we recognize that early support can significantly improve the quality of life for both patients and their families.

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder and the leading cause of dementia worldwide. It gradually affects memory, reasoning, behavior, and the ability to perform everyday tasks.

Symptoms typically start with mild forgetfulness but progress to severe impairment, eventually leaving patients unable to communicate or care for themselves. Beyond its toll on patients, Alzheimer’s deeply affects families and caregivers, who often shoulder the heavy responsibility of round-the-clock support.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 57 million people live with dementia globally, and Alzheimer’s accounts for 60 to 70 percent of those cases. As the global population ages, this number is expected to rise dramatically in the coming decades.

Alzheimer’s awareness helps break down misconceptions and encourages communities to create dementia-friendly environments. World Alzheimer’s Month is a vital campaign because it emphasizes education, caregiver support, and advocacy for better care.

The observance includes Alzheimer’s Awareness Day on September 21, when organizations, families, and communities come together to shed a brighter light on dementia-related issues. This concentrated effort encourages governments, healthcare providers, and individuals to take action toward research, accessible care, and policies that improve the lives of everyone affected.

Each year, September Alzheimer’s Awareness Month brings global attention to dementia and promotes solidarity with patients and families living with the disease.

Throughout the month, educational campaigns, fundraising events, and community programs aim to reduce stigma and build understanding. For many caregivers and patients, this observance provides a sense of connection, reminding them that they are not facing this journey alone.

One of the most critical aspects of Alzheimer’s awareness is recognizing when specialized care becomes necessary. Hospice care for Alzheimer’s patients plays a vital role, especially in the later stages of the disease. Unlike standard medical care, which often focuses on cure, hospice care prioritizes comfort, dignity, and quality of life.

Early referral to hospice care allows families to access a wide range of support, including:

Hospice teams are made up of doctors, nurses, chaplains, and social workers who collaborate to provide holistic care. This interdisciplinary approach ensures that the patient’s physical, emotional, and spiritual needs are respected at every step.

Too often, families wait until the final days or weeks of life before considering hospice. By opting for hospice earlier, Alzheimer’s patients and their caregivers benefit from extended support and improved quality of life.

To provide the right level of care at the right time, healthcare providers often rely on tools that measure the progression of dementia. One of the most widely used is the Dementia FAST Scale (Functional Assessment Staging Tool).

The FAST scale outlines seven stages of dementia progression:

Understanding where a patient falls on the dementia FAST scale helps hospice care teams develop care strategies that are both compassionate and medically appropriate. This ensures that patients receive care aligned with their current needs rather than reactive measures at crisis points.

Caregivers are often called the “hidden patients” of Alzheimer’s disease. They provide daily care, emotional support, and companionship, yet many experience burnout, depression, and health issues of their own.

During World Alzheimer’s Month 2025, there is a strong emphasis on recognizing and supporting caregivers. Families are encouraged to reach out for help, whether through hospice programs, support groups, or community services.

At Ascend Hospice Care, we emphasize caregiver well-being. By supporting caregivers with respite services, counseling, and educational resources, we help them maintain their own health while continuing to provide compassionate care for their loved ones.

The 2025 theme, “Ask About Dementia, Ask About Alzheimer’s,” reinforces the urgency of addressing this public health challenge. It is not enough to simply raise awareness once a year. Continuous action is needed to fund research, improve access to care, and create communities where people living with dementia feel safe and supported.

Across the globe, organizations will hold awareness walks, educational seminars, and caregiver training sessions during September. These events encourage individuals to take part, learn, and contribute to building a more dementia-friendly world.

Everyone can play a role in promoting Alzheimer’s awareness. Here are a few ways to get involved this September:

At Ascend Hospice Care, we stand with families during World Alzheimer’s Month and throughout the year. By providing personalized hospice care for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease, we ensure that every patient receives the respect, comfort, and dignity they deserve.

Alzheimer’s disease may be overwhelming, but through early hospice care, community support, and ongoing advocacy, we can lighten the burden. Together, we can improve the lives of patients, honor caregivers, and contribute to a future where dementia is met with compassion and understanding.