World Alzheimer’s Day: One in every three people born today will develop dementia says charity

September 21 every year is World Alzheimer's Day. This international campaign is intended to raise awareness of and challenge the stigma surrounding dementia - as one in every three people born today will develop the disease - according to a dementia charity.

Around World Alzheimer's Day, many charities worldwide host memory walks and fundraising events and campaign to bring attention to people affected by dementia. Dementia organisations such as Alzheimer's Society believe it is crucial to understand the risk factors associated with dementia and to take proactive steps towards risk reduction, such as staying active, stopping smoking, remaining social and reducing alcohol consumption.

Hollie Wynde, Dementia Support Line Team Leader at Alzheimer’s Society said: “One in every three people born today will develop dementia in their lifetime. So it’s really important to keep talking about it and keep raising that awareness.”

This year Alzheimer's Society is hosting a Memory Walk in Manchester on October 8 at Heaton park where participants can share a day of advice and support whilst raising money for the charity. The first walk starts at 11am and there is a shorter 2km and a slightly more advanced 7km route walkers can get involved with.

We spoke to Alzheimer's Society to understand more about the early symptoms of the disease and how people living with dementia and their carers can get the support they need.