Dementia is not a single disease, but an umbrella term for a group of conditions that affect memory, thinking, and daily life. The most common form is Alzheimer’s disease (AD),which accounts for 60–80% of dementia cases. Other types include vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia.
Every September, the world observes Alzheimer’s and Dementia Awareness Month — a time to reduce stigma, raise awareness, and create more supportive communities for people living with these conditions and their caregivers.
Let’s Talk About Dementia: Why Awareness Matters Now
Dementia is one of the most pressing health challenges of our time. It causes problems with memory, judgment, communication, and daily functioning, and in advanced stages can strip individuals of independence.
Early signs may include:
- Forgetfulness and memory loss
- Difficulty planning or solving problems
- Confusion about time and place
- Trouble finding the right words
- Personality or behavior changes
As dementia progresses, individuals may lose the ability to communicate, recognize loved ones, or live independently.
With more than 6 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s—and nearly 14 million projected by 2050—awareness has never been more critical.
Remember: All Alzheimer’s is dementia, but not all dementia is Alzheimer’s.
The Human Impact
Dementia doesn’t just affect the person diagnosed—it affects entire families. Caregivers often shoulder enormous responsibility, balancing daily support with emotional stress.
As Dr. Suzette M. Vélez-Rivera, PharmD, BCACP, BCGP, Director of Clinical Services at Abarca, explains:
“The burden of this disease on the caregiver is huge and sometimes ignored. Awareness should include acknowledging those heroes who day after day care for those who once cared for them.”
Hope Through Action
While there is still no cure, science continues to make progress. Researchers are developing therapies that may slow the disease, while public health experts stress the importance of prevention and early detection.
Simple lifestyle habits can help lower risk and support brain health:
- Exercise regularly to improve blood and oxygen flow
- Follow a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
- Keep your mind active through learning and problem-solving
- Maintain strong social connections for emotional and cognitive support
Community Matters
In Puerto Rico, initiatives like Un Café por Alzheimer’s are helping break the silence around dementia. Since 2014, the nonprofit has provided safe spaces for conversation, trained health professionals, and reached over 10,000 people through workshops and support groups.
These efforts remind us that awareness is not only about facts and statistics—it’s about dignity, compassion, and community.
Moving Forward Together
Dementia awareness is more than a once-a-year event—it’s an ongoing responsibility. As a society, we must:
- Promote early diagnosis and education
- Provide caregivers with resources and recognition
- Support research and prevention strategies
- Break down the stigma that still surrounds the disease
You Are Not Alone
Whether you are living with Alzheimer’s or caring for someone with the disease, support is available. Reach out to the Alzheimer’s Association, and the Alzheimer´s Association of Puerto Rico for resources, guidance, and community events.
This September, and every day after, let’s talk openly about dementia. Together, we can create awareness, reduce stigma, and build a more compassionate future for those affected.
About Abarca
At Abarca, we believe in an Unstoppable Drive for a Better Way. Our commitment to making healthcare seamless and personalized for all drives us to innovate in AI, drug trend management, and predictive analytics. By transforming challenges into opportunities, we deliver PBM like no one else: better patient outcomes and a revolutionary healthcare experience. Join us in shaping the future at the intersection of technology and care!