September 21st every year is World Alzheimer’s Day around the world. This is an international campaign aimed at raising awareness and addressing the common stigma that surrounds Alzheimer related dementia. From previous studies, an average of 2 out of 3 people globally have little or no understanding of Alzheimer’s disease and associated dementia in their countries (Alzheimer’s Disease International, 2019). Because of this, an increase for education on this topic is needed.
If you’re interested in raising awareness and helping to spread accurate information, take a look at our top ways to get involved this Alzheimer’s Awareness Month.
1. Support & Collaborate with your local Alzheimer’s Association
The Alzheimer’s Association provides educational information for people living with Alzheimer’s and their families concerning symptoms, new research, treatment and clinical trial options. In addition, they also host various events to help spread awareness and educate their communities.
Reach out to your local Alzheimer’s Association and meet with their Program or Marketing Director to see the types of events that you can partake in. In addition, identify events that you can speak at (You can even set up a free online conference through zoom or Facebook to stay socially distant). Sharing your knowledge with your community can have a great impact and also help you to make stronger community connections; helping to enhance your business.
2. Get local schools involved:
Another way that you can have an impact this World Alzheimer’s Month is by helping to get local schools involved. Many times, children may not know or understand what Alzheimer’s Disease is. Offering to do a free talk to both children and their parents can be helpful in spreading accurate information and lessening the stigma. Many of these families may have grandparents who might be suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease.
3. Host an Educational Event at a Library
By hosting an event at your local library you’re able share your knowledge with your community on topics such as “signs and symptoms to watch for,” “how to have a conversation with your loved one about seeing a doctor,” as well as many other topics to answer questions people have. This not only helps to raise awareness but it also will help you to foster relationships within the community and grow your business. Work with your local library on having an outdoor event so you can stay safe all while getting information into the community!
4. Use Canva to create educational brochures
Another way to make an impact during World Alzheimer’s Month is to create a brochure with facts about Alzheimer’s or other information that is helpful for loved ones. You can easily make a brochure in Canva with their brochure maker and then ask local businesses and community based organizations to put them out. You can also include your business information on these brochures so that people can contact you with referrals. Get started with Canva Brochure here: https://www.canva.com/create/brochures/.
5. Stay Educated
In order to help your clients, you must stay educated on all new research and trends that are being released. Take time to find conferences so you can stay current with all new research. Take a look here to find some upcoming conferences:
Let us know in the thread below, how you’re going to make an impact during World Alzheimer’s Month!
Sources:
Alzheimer’s Disease International (2019). World Alzheimer’s Month. Retrieved from: https://www.alz.co.uk/world-alzheimers-month
