Observing World Alzheimer’s Day
Date
Every year on 21st September, the world comes together to recognise World Alzheimer’s Day. This day invites us to stop, reflect, and raise awareness about one of the most widespread and misunderstood neurological conditions of our time, Alzheimer’s disease.
Launched in 1994 by Alzheimer’s Disease International, this day is at the heart of World Alzheimer’s Month and serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of empathy, education, and early detection. The day was created to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, and to challenge the stigma associated with them
Alzheimer’s is not just about memory loss; it’s about losing parts of a person’s identity, and it deeply affects families, friends, and the many dedicated carers who support loved ones through every stage of the condition.
Please see below a guide on how to support colleagues in the workplace.
Let’s Talk About Dementia: End the Stigma
This year’s theme for World Alzheimer’s Day is “Let’s Talk About Dementia: End the Stigma”. This year’s campaign focuses on how each of us can offer purposeful support to those living with Alzheimer’s by encouraging open conversations about dementia. By doing this, we can help challenge negative perceptions and help encourage people to learn more about the condition, which will ultimately lead to breaking stigmas around Alzheimer’s Disease.
The more we create spaces for open conversation, the more we can learn about Alzheimer’s, and the better we understand its impact on those living with the condition and the carers who support them. Whether you’re a colleague, a friend, or simply seeking to learn more, even small gestures of understanding can make a meaningful difference.
Why Awareness Matters in the Workplace
Creating a culture of compassion requires meaningful action. In fast-paced industries like ours, carers often carry invisible burdens, and individuals living with conditions like Alzheimer’s can go unnoticed. The reality is that dementia doesn’t just affect “someone else”; it can impact any of us, including our colleagues, our loved ones, or even ourselves.
That’s why it’s vital to have understanding, not only for those who are already navigating the challenges of dementia but also to prepare and support everyone in our community. By recognising the role of carers and making space for honest conversations, we help build psychological safety and a sense of belonging at work.
When we educate ourselves and advocate for those affected both directly and indirectly, we create a workplace that’s more empathetic, inclusive, and human.
How to Spot 10 Early Signs and Symptoms of Alzheimer’s and provide support in the workplace
Alzheimer’s disease has some common early warning signs. The earlier we notice these symptoms, the sooner we can offer meaningful care, support, and understanding, both at home and in the workplace.
- Memory Loss
One of the most common early signs is forgetting recently learned information, important dates or events, or repeatedly asking the same questions.
How we can support in the workplace: Gently offer reminders without frustration. Use visual cues, calendars, or notes. Create a workplace culture where it’s safe to ask for help or repetition without judgment.
- Difficulty with Planning and Organisation
Struggling with familiar tasks like creating a work schedule, managing time, or following a plan can be a sign.
How we can support in the workplace: Break down tasks into simpler steps, offer checklists, or provide extra time. Encourage the use of digital tools to assist with organisation and avoid overwhelming deadlines.
- Confusion with Time or Place
Losing track of dates, seasons, or forgetting where they are or how they got there may occur.
How we can support in the workplace: Ensure clear signage in workspaces, provide regular check-ins, and offer flexible scheduling when needed. Avoid drawing attention to disorientation; reassurance is key.
- New Problems with Words in Speaking or Writing
People may struggle with vocabulary, find it hard to follow or join conversations, or call things by the wrong name.
How we can support in the workplace: Practice patience in conversations, avoid interrupting, and provide written follow-up after meetings. Encourage alternative ways to communicate (e.g. visual aids).
- Difficulty Completing Familiar Tasks
Tasks that were once second nature, like operating machinery, using software, or following procedures, may become challenging.
How we can support in the workplace: Offer step-by-step instructions and allow extra time to complete tasks. Don’t assume forgetfulness equals incompetence; check in privately and empathetically.
- Trouble Understanding Visual Images and Spatial Relationships
People may have difficulty judging distances, reading, or interpreting visual information.
How we can support in the workplace: Adjust lighting, signage, and workspace design to be clear and accessible. Avoid clutter, and ensure that important information is easy to see and understand.
- Misplacing Things and Losing the Ability to Retrace Steps
Objects may be placed in unusual locations, and people may be unable to retrace their steps to find them.
How we can support in the workplace: Help create a consistent system for personal items (like labels or assigned spaces). Avoid criticism and offer help in finding items without blame or frustration.
- Decreased or Poor Judgment
Changes in decision-making or judgment, such as giving away large amounts of money or dressing inappropriately for the weather.
How we can support in the workplace: Be observant without being intrusive. Engage in private, supportive conversations and involve HR or wellbeing services when appropriate. Avoid making assumptions, and gather information calmly.
- Withdrawal from Work or Social Activities
People may pull back from hobbies, work tasks, or social interaction due to embarrassment, confusion, or frustration.
How we can support in the workplace: Create low-pressure opportunities for involvement and provide reassurance. Check in one-on-one to see how they’re feeling. Respect their boundaries while offering consistent encouragement.
- Changes in Mood and Personality
This may include increased anxiety, confusion, suspicion, depression, or irritability, especially in unfamiliar settings.
How we can support in the workplace: Respond with empathy, not judgment. Foster a psychologically safe workplace where mental health conversations are normalised. Encourage access to employee wellbeing resources.
Not everyone showing these signs has Alzheimer’s, but noticing these changes could potentially be a reason to open up a compassionate, private conversation.
Resources
For more information or to join our GenerationMIX Employee Network or AccessAbility Employee Network, please contact:
Helen Choudhury
Head of DEI, CSR and Wellbeing
[email protected]
Safiyah Olaide
DEI, CSR and Wellness Officer
[email protected]
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