National Alzheimer's Awareness Day

Stand together against Alzheimer's on National Alzheimer's Awareness Day! This devastating disease affects millions of families worldwide, causing memory loss and cognitive decline. Learn about Alzheimer's, support research efforts, and help create a more understanding and supportive community for those affected.

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National Alzheimer's Awareness Day - Stand together against Alzheimer's on National Alzheimer's Awareness Day! This devastating disease affects millions of families worldwide, causing memory loss and cognitive decline. Learn about Alzheimer's, support research efforts, and help create a more understanding and supportive community for those affected.

About National Alzheimer's Awareness Day

History & origins

National Alzheimer's Awareness Day is an informal awareness observance in the United States, and its exact origin is not clearly documented. The broader global observance tied to Alzheimer’s awareness is World Alzheimer’s Day, which was launched on September 21, 1994 by Alzheimer’s Disease International and the World Health Organization. In the U.S., Alzheimer’s awareness efforts also grew through the Alzheimer’s Association, which established Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month in 2014 and uses purple as the movement’s signature color.

Why it matters

National Alzheimer's Awareness Day matters because Alzheimer’s affects memory, thinking, behavior, and the lives of patients, caregivers, and families. Raising awareness can encourage earlier diagnosis, reduce stigma, and connect people with research, support services, and brain health education. It also helps spotlight the growing need for caregiving support and dementia research funding.

How to celebrate

Learn about Alzheimer's disease and its impact on families. Support Alzheimer's research organizations and advocacy groups. Share information about early warning signs and prevention. Volunteer with organizations supporting families affected by Alzheimer's. Wear purple to show support for the cause.

Facts

Alzheimer's is the 6th leading cause of death in the United States
More than 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's
Early diagnosis can help slow disease progression
Regular physical and mental exercise may help prevent Alzheimer's
Alzheimer's affects not just memory but also thinking and behavior

Upcoming dates

Monday, September 21, 2026
Tuesday, September 21, 2027
Thursday, September 21, 2028
Friday, September 21, 2029
Saturday, September 21, 2030

Frequently asked questions

When is National Alzheimer's Awareness Day in 2026?

National Alzheimer's Awareness Day is observed on September 21, 2026. It falls during World Alzheimer’s Month, when many groups focus on dementia education and support.

What is National Alzheimer's Awareness Day?

National Alzheimer's Awareness Day is an awareness observance that encourages education about Alzheimer’s disease and support for people affected by it. It is not a formal medical or government holiday, but a public awareness day.

Who started National Alzheimer's Awareness Day?

Its exact founder is unclear. The closest well-documented global observance is World Alzheimer’s Day, launched in 1994 by Alzheimer’s Disease International with the World Health Organization.

How do you celebrate National Alzheimer's Awareness Day?

You can wear purple, share facts about early warning signs, support caregivers, and donate or volunteer with Alzheimer’s organizations. Many people also use the day to promote brain health habits and fundraisers for research.

Is National Alzheimer's Awareness Day the same as World Alzheimer's Day?

They are closely related, but not always identical in naming. World Alzheimer’s Day is the best-documented international observance on September 21, while National Alzheimer's Awareness Day is often used as a U.S.-focused or generic awareness phrase.

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