World Alzheimer’s Day: Understanding Alzheimer Disease and the Importance of Dementia Care

Every year on 21 September, World Alzheimer’s Day provides an opportunity to raise awareness of Alzheimer’s disease, challenge misconceptions about dementia and recognise the people, families and professionals affected by the condition.  

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, accounting for an estimated 60-70% of dementia cases worldwide. Globally, around 57 million people were living with dementia in 2021, with almost 10 million new cases occurring each year.  

In the UK, dementia is an increasingly important health and social care issue. Around one million people are currently living with dementia, and dementia and Alzheimer’s disease were the leading cause of death in the UK in 2024, according to analysis by Alzheimer’s Society.  

But behind these figures are people: individuals living with a progressive condition, families adapting to changing circumstances and thousands of health and social care professionals providing support every day. 

For those working in care, understanding Alzheimer’s disease is not simply about knowing the symptoms. It is about understanding the person behind the diagnosis and knowing how compassionate, consistent and person-centred support can make a meaningful difference.  

What is Alzheimer’s disease?  

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurological condition that affects the brain. It is the most common cause of dementia.  

While memory loss is one of the symptoms most commonly associated with Alzheimer’s, the condition can affect much more than memory. People may experience changes in:  

• Memory and recall  
• Communication and language  
• Problem-solving and decision-making  
• Mood and behaviour  
• Orientation and awareness  
• Ability to complete everyday tasks  
• Relationships and social interaction  

Dementia is not one specific disease. It is an umbrella term used to describe a collection of symptoms caused by different diseases and conditions affecting the brain. Other forms include vascular dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies and frontotemporal dementia. Mixed forms of dementia can also occur.  

This is important for care professionals to understand because every person living with dementia is different. Their symptoms, abilities, preferences, communication style and support needs can vary considerably.  

Alzheimer’s disease and dementia: the key statistics  

The scale of dementia means that awareness and high-quality care are becoming increasingly important across health and social care.  

Here are some of the key figures:  

1. Around 57 million people worldwide live with dementia  

The World Health Organisation estimated that 57 million people were living with dementia globally in 2021, with nearly 10 million new cases every year.

2. Alzheimer’s disease accounts for around 60-70% of dementia cases  

Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia and may contribute to between 60% and 70% of cases.  

3. Around one million people in the UK are living with dementia  

Alzheimer’s Society estimated that around one million people in the UK are currently living with dementia. The charity also reports that someone in the UK develops dementia approximately every three minutes.  

4. Dementia was the leading cause of death in the UK in 2024 

Analysis of official mortality data by Alzheimer’s Society found that dementia and Alzheimer’s disease were the leading cause of death in the UK in 2024, the latest year for which data across all four UK nations was available at the time of its analysis.  

5. Diagnosis remains a significant challenge 

The latest NHS England data shows that, in England, 513,135 people had a recorded dementia diagnosis on 31 March 2026. The estimated diagnosis rate among people aged 65 and over was 66.3%.  

Diagnosis matters because it can help people and their families understand what is happening, plan for the future and access appropriate treatment, care and support.  

However, diagnosis is not always quick. In September 2026, Alzheimer’s Society reported that 45% of carers surveyed said they had waited more than six months for dementia diagnosis after first seeking help.  

Why early diagnosis matters  

There is no single test that can diagnose every type of dementia. Assessment can involve taking a detailed history, cognitive testing, physical examinations and tests to rule out other potential causes of cognitive decline.  

NICE guidance recommends taking information from the person experiencing symptoms and, where possible, someone who knows them well. It also recommends appropriate physical examinations, blood and urine tests and validated cognitive testing where dementia remains suspected. 

An early and accurate diagnosis can help people:  

• Understand changes they are experiencing  
• Access appropriate support and services  
• Make plans for the future 
• Explore available treatments  
• Make decisions about care and finances  
• Connect with dementia support organisations  
• Access research opportunities where appropriate  

For health and social care professionals, a diagnosis can also provide valuable information when developing and reviewing an individual’s care and support plan.  

What does dementia care involve? 

Dementia care is about much more than helping someone remember things.  

As Alzheimer’s disease progresses, a person may need increasing support with everyday activities such as eating, dressing, taking medication and communicating.  

However, good dementia care should not focus only on what a person can no longer do. It should also focus on what they can do, what matters to them and how their independence can be maintained for as long as possible.  

This is where person-centred care becomes particularly important.  

A person-centred approach means getting to know the individual rather than simply treating them as a diagnosis. Their history, interests, routines, relationships, preferences and communication style can all help care professionals provide more personalised support.

Why dementia awareness matters for health and social care professionals 

Dementia already affects a significant proportion of the people receiving health and social care services.  

For professionals working in:  

• Residential care  
• Nursing homes  
• Domiciliary care  
• Supported living  
• Community care  
• Mental health services  
• Hospital settings  
• Day services  
• Family support  
• Specialist dementia services  

Understanding dementia can be an important part of providing safe, effective and compassionate support.  

It can also be an area where professionals develop valuable experience. Working with people living with dementia can strengthen skills in communication, safeguarding, medication support, personal care, behaviour support, observation, record keeping and person-centred planning.  

For care workers considering their next career move, experience supporting people with dementia can also form part of a broader professional skills set that may open opportunities across different care settings and specialisms.  

The importance of safeguarding in dementia care 

Safeguarding is another important consideration when supporting people living with dementia.  

Cognitive changes can sometimes make people more vulnerable to abuse, neglect, exploitation or financial harm. They may also have difficulty communicating concerns or recognising unsafe situations.  

Health and social care professionals therefore have an important role in recognising potential signs of abuse or neglect, following safeguarding procedures and reporting concerns appropriately.  

Safeguarding should always be approached alongside respect for an individual’s rights, choices and independence. The aim is not simply to protect someone from every possible risk, but to support them to live as safely and independently as possible. 

What can care professionals do to support someone living with Alzheimer’s?  

Small, consistent actions can have a significant impact. Depending on the person’s individual care plan and needs, this may include:  

• Encouraging independence: Give people time to complete tasks themselves wherever possible rather than automatically taking over.  
• Supporting familiar routines: Familiar activities and routines can provide reassurance.  
• Using clear communication: Speak calmly, make eye contact where appropriate and give the person enough time to respond.  
• Understanding behaviour: Consider whether behaviour may be communicating an unmet need.  
• Promoting meaningful activity: Activities should be based on the individual’s interests and abilities rather than simply keeping them occupied.  
• Supporting dignity: Respect privacy and involve the person in decisions about their care wherever possible.  
• Working as a team: Good communication between care professionals, families and other services can help provide more consistent support.  
• Continuing to learn: Dementia research and best practice continue to develop, making ongoing training and professional development important.