This year September marked the 14th anniversary of World Alzheimer’s Month. A global campaign to raise awareness about dementia and challenge the stigma surrounding it was launched across the world. Individuals and communities came together during this month to advocate, fundraise and support those living with dementia, while calling for stronger action from governments and health systems.
This year’s campaign, led by Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI), stresses the importance of asking questions about dementia under the hashtags #AskAboutDementia and #AskAboutAlzheimers. The aim is simple but powerful: normalize the conversation, break down barriers of fear, and ensure more people seek information, diagnosis, and support.
“Dementia is a silent epidemic,” warns Professor Shehan Williams, Professor in Psychiatry at the University of Kelaniya. “We are not really waking up to it as much as we should. The numbers are serious, and the prediction is that by 2050, there will be 138 million people affected by dementia. At this point of time, we don’t have a cure. People with the condition will live seven to ten years after diagnosis.”
The Global Picture
Worldwide, more than 55 million people live with dementia, yet a majority do so without a formal diagnosis or post-diagnostic support. The impact is profound—not just on individuals, but also on families, communities, and health systems.
According to ADI, awareness levels remain worryingly low. Eighty percent of the public and 65 percent of healthcare professionals still believe dementia is a normal part of ageing. This misconception, coupled with stigma, makes many people reluctant to seek help. The statistics reveal a sobering story.
Almost 80% of the general public are concerned about developing dementia and one in four people believe nothing can be done to prevent dementia. Thirty five per cent of care giving have hidden a family member’s diagnosis due to stigma while around 46% of people living with dementia and their care givers cite fear of diagnosis which is a barrier to seeking help.
Yet research shows that up to 45% of dementia cases could be delayed or prevented by addressing 14 modifiable risk factors, such as diet, exercise, and cardiovascular health.
The South Asian Challenge
While dementia is a global issue, its impact is particularly acute in developing regions, where health systems are under strain and populations are ageing rapidly.
“In South Asia, this will be a huge challenge,” explains Professor Williams. “Sri Lanka, for example, has the fastest ageing population in the region. Very soon, every fifth person will be over the age of 60. That is the biggest risk factor for dementia. This is not just a health issue—it will become a financial, social, and community issue.”
Migration patterns further complicate the issue. As younger generations move from rural villages to urban centers, or overseas for employment, older adults are often left behind. Many of them develop dementia without adequate support. “It will not only be an individual or family problem, but also a national one,” Professor Williams stresses. “We have to think of innovative models. Communities must become more sensitive, more aware, and supportive of one another. Planning dementia programs is urgent.”
The Need for Awareness and Action
Despite the growing numbers, awareness remains limited, both globally and locally. ADI reports that 85% of people with dementia do not receive post-diagnostic support, leaving families to cope on their own. An accurate diagnosis, however, can make a significant difference. It opens the door to treatment, care, and community support, enabling those living with dementia to maintain independence for as long as possible.
Professor Williams says awareness campaigns like World Alzheimer’s Month play a crucial role. “Only through increased awareness will more people seek out information, advice, and support,” he says. “It can improve diagnosis rates, encourage further research, and help us prepare for the growing demand in treatment and care.”
A Call to Governments and Communities
Governments, health systems, and civil society have a responsibility to act. The World Health Organization’s Global Action Plan on dementia provides a framework, but implementation remains patchy. ADI emphasizes that dementia must be seen as both a health and social priority, with investment in prevention, care, and inclusion today—and a cure for tomorrow.
For Sri Lanka and the wider South Asian region, Professor Williams highlights the urgency, “Health services in developing countries are not equipped to deal with dementia yet. We need to think seriously and plan ahead, because the numbers are rising fast.”
Breaking the Silence
World Alzheimer’s Month is a chance to break the silence surrounding dementia. Through open conversations, better awareness, and community-led initiatives, societies can tackle the stigma and ensure that no one faces this condition alone. As Professor Williams reminds us: “This is a silent epidemic. But silence will not help. The more we ask, the more we learn, and the more we can do to support those living with dementia now and in the future.”
