Alzheimer’s disease awareness month is more than a campaign—it’s a collective call to notice what we often dismiss: the subtle shifts in memory, personality, and presence in those we love.
It begins, sometimes, with a story. Like Sarah’s.
The Subtle Signs: “Grandma Just Forgot the Pot”
Sarah was 17 when she noticed her grandmother had begun leaving pots on the gas stove, completely forgetting they were on. Once, she nearly set the kitchen curtains on fire. At first, the family joked about it. “Old age things,” her uncles said. But when Grandma forgot her own birthday, laughter turned into worry.
This is how early signs of memory loss usually show up—not with a dramatic moment, but through tiny, consistent slips. Forgetting names, misplacing items, repeating questions. These early signs are often written off as stress or aging, especially in African and diaspora households.
But Alzheimer’s disease is not just aging. And Alzheimer’s disease awareness month challenges us to recognize the difference.
More Than Memory: Alzheimer’s Can Change Everything
Memory is only the beginning. Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurological condition that affects behavior, mood, judgment, and personality. Grandma started accusing the housekeeper of stealing her wrappers. She became aggressive, even violent—something no one expected.
“This isn’t her,” Sarah whispered to her mum one night.
Indeed, it wasn’t. The woman who once made food for the whole street now refused to eat. She forgot prayers. She feared her own mirror reflection. Alzheimer’s disease awareness month reminds us: dementia doesn’t only rob memory. It alters identity.
Even small behavioral changes like paranoia, withdrawal, or irritability should be treated with concern—not dismissed.
The Cultural Silence Around Dementia
In many African and Caribbean communities, dementia support is still entangled with stigma. Terms like “madness,” “witchcraft,” or “spiritual attack” are sometimes used to explain symptoms. Families often hide loved ones, seeking traditional healing before clinical diagnosis.
“People said she was cursed,” Sarah recalled. “One auntie even suggested we take her to the village for cleansing.”
Alzheimer’s disease requires medical attention and compassionate care. But cultural norms can delay diagnosis—and make families feel isolated. During Alzheimer’s disease awareness month, it’s essential we normalize this conversation.
The more we talk, the sooner we help.
The Caregiver’s Journey: A Slow, Quiet Grief
Caring for someone with dementia is emotionally taxing. There’s grief in watching a person you love fade in fragments. Sarah’s mum, who once leaned on Grandma for everything, now had to bathe, feed, and soothe her.
“Some days she called me ‘mummy’,” Sarah said. “Other days she didn’t know who I was.”
The emotional toll of caregiving is heavy. Sandwich-generation adults caring for both children and aging parents are stretched thin. Alzheimer’s disease awareness month is also about honoring caregivers—the quiet heroes behind the scenes.
Caregivers need support too. Emotional check-ins. Community resources. Permission to rest.
Diagnosis Isn’t Defeat: The Power of Early Intervention
An early diagnosis offers clarity. It opens doors to treatment, routine planning, therapy, and dementia support systems. It also allows families to prepare for transitions and communicate openly.
Alzheimer’s disease awareness month teaches us that Alzheimer’s cannot yet be cured, but its progression can be slowed. Sarah’s family eventually connected with a neurologist and a dementia counselor. Her grandmother was started on memory-enhancing medication.
They created a visual calendar and a simple daily routine. Most importantly, they gave her affection without expectation.
Awareness breeds action.
Family Talks: From Denial to Unity
Initially, not everyone believed the diagnosis. An uncle insisted it was old age. Another accused the hospital of exaggerating.
But as Grandma’s condition worsened, denial gave way to unity. Each family member played a role—one managed bills, another took on daily tasks, while Sarah stayed home during breaks to help.
The truth is, Alzheimer’s disease awareness month must also push families to face difficult conversations. About power of attorney. About long-term care. About how love adapts when memory fades.
Every family needs a plan—and a shared language of support.
New Memories: Finding Joy in the Present
They began playing old songs that sparked Grandma’s joy. She would sing along, eyes twinkling with brief clarity.
“Sometimes it felt like she was back,” Sarah smiled. “Even if just for one chorus.”
Families affected by Alzheimer’s disease must learn to live in the moment. Celebrate small victories—a good day, a smile, a shared joke. Memory may fade, but connection can stay.
Alzheimer’s disease awareness month isn’t about fear. It’s about hope.
Joy can exist alongside grief. Presence can remain even in confusion.
Final Thoughts: From Forgetting to Remembering What Matters
This Alzheimer’s disease awareness month, let’s remember this: it’s not just about forgetting faces or names. It’s about the humanity behind the diagnosis.
It’s about children becoming caregivers. About community myths being replaced with medical understanding. About not shaming the forgetful, but supporting them with grace.
If your loved one is showing early signs of memory loss, don’t dismiss it. Talk to a doctor. Join a support group. Learn about tools and therapies. Most importantly, speak with love.
In every culture, the elderly are keepers of wisdom. Let us honor them, even when that wisdom hides behind clouds.
Because in loving them through Alzheimer’s disease, we learn the deepest meaning of remembrance.
Let’s challenge stigma. Let’s share stories. Let’s invest in memory clinics. Let’s support caregivers. Let’s teach our communities that Alzheimer’s is not a curse—it’s a condition. And compassion is the cure we all can offer.
In this season of awareness, make space at the table. Ask how someone’s parent is doing. Offer to watch a loved one while a caregiver rests. Share accurate articles. Listen more.
Alzheimer’s disease awareness month is not just a date—it’s a doorway to healing.
