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World Alzheimer’s Day

Join us in raising awareness for World Alzheimer's Day - spread the word and show your support to those living with dementia and their caregivers!

Monday

September 2026

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATESeptember 21

OBSERVED INInternationally

CATEGORYAwareness

SUBCATEGORYHealth Conditions

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

World Alzheimer's Day on September 21 is a great opportunity to raise awareness of this debilitating condition and support those affected. The day was first launched in 1994 by the Alzheimer’s Disease International organization, with the aim of spreading knowledge about dementia around the world. Since then, it has grown into an internationally recognized event which brings together millions of people from around the globe to show their support for those living with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia.

TIMELINE

World Alzheimer’s Day Timeline

Discovery of Alzheimer's Disease

A German psychiatrist, Alois Alzheimer, identified the first case of what came to be known as Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer's Protein Identified

Scientists identify a protein called beta-amyloid in the brain tissue of those with Alzheimer's disease.

First World Alzheimer's Day

The Alzheimer’s Disease International organization launches the first World Alzheimer's Day to raise global awareness about dementia and Alzheimer's disease.

Recognition of Genetic Factor

Research confirms APOE-e4 allele as a significant risk factor for late-onset Alzheimer's, shedding light on the genetic aspect of the disease.

New Diagnostic Guidelines

For the first time in 27 years, new diagnostic guidelines are published accounting for stages before symptoms occur.

First Alzheimer's Treatment Approved

The FDA approves Aducanumab, the first drug that targets the disease process of Alzheimer's, not just the symptoms.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate World Alzheimer’s Day

Organize an awareness event

Host a walkathon, community fair, or fundraiser to raise awareness and money to support Alzheimer's research.

VOLUNTEER

Volunteer

Join a local organization that supports people living with Alzheimer's and their caregivers. You can offer your time and services to help make a difference in peoples' lives.

WRITE

Write a letter of support

Send letters to people living with Alzheimer's or their family members to let them know they are not alone and that you care about them.

DONATE

Donate

Make a donation to an Alzheimer's charity or research organization. Every bit helps and your donation could be used to fund research that could lead to better treatments and eventually a cure.

EDUCATE

Educate yourself

Take the time to learn more about Alzheimer's disease so that you can be better informed and help spread awareness.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why World Alzheimer’s Day is Important

Fundraise for Research

In addition, World Alzheimer’s Day raises funds that can be used for research into finding a cure or treatments for this disease. Such donations allow researchers to continue looking for innovative ways to slow down the progress of this illness on affected individuals, providing a hope for everyone involved or impacted by it.

Raises awareness

World Alzheimer’s Day is an important event for raising awareness about Alzheimer’s disease. It helps to make people aware of the various types of dementia and encourages them to become more informed about the condition. By increasing public knowledge, World Alzheimer's Day creates a better understanding of this progressive debilitating illness.

Provides support

World Alzheimer’s Day also provides much needed emotional support to both the patient and their family members. By discussing openly those who suffer from this debilitating illness, World Alzheimer's day gives a platform to those affected with information and resources to help families cope with the struggles associated with having a member living with Alzheimer's.

Related holidays

World Alzheimer’s Month

Make a difference this World Alzheimer's Month - spread awareness, donate to research and support those affected by the disease.

Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month

Join us this month to raise awareness for Alzheimer's and Brain Health - together we can make a difference!

Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Care Staff Education Week

It's Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Care Staff Education Week - a perfect time to recognize and support those who provide care for those with memory loss.

Dementia Awareness Week

Join the fight during Dementia Awareness Week, raising awareness and supporting those whose lives are touched by dementia. Together, we can make a difference!

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