--- title: "World Alzheimer’s Day 2026 | Find Out How to Get Involved" url: "https://www.nursinghomeabusecenter.com/blog/world-alzheimers-day-2026/" description: "September is World Alzheimer's Month​. Learn how families can raise awareness, support loved ones, and protect residents in care." --- **Blog** **Nursing Home Abuse Center Blog** 4 Min Read Posted on [September 14, 2026](https://www.nursinghomeabusecenter.com/blog/world-alzheimers-day-2026/) # What Is World Alzheimer’s Day 2026? World Alzheimer’s Day is observed each year on **September 21.** Launched by Alzheimer’s Disease International in 1994, it raises global attention to Alzheimer’s and other dementias, honors those affected, and calls for action to support families and improve care. Awareness helps build support for research into better treatments while also reminding communities of the need to **protect people living with dementia** as their condition progresses — particularly those living in nursing homes. **Did You Know** Residents with dementia are more likely to be hurt by other residents. In early 2026, this was the most common type of [nursing home abuse](https://www.nursinghomeabusecenter.com/nursing-home-abuse/) cited by inspectors, according to KFF Health News. The 2026 theme, “The Earlier You Know, The More You Can Do: A Dementia Diagnosis Matters,” focuses on **early diagnosis and the stigma that keeps families from seeking one.** A timely diagnosis gives families time to plan care, line up support, and ask hard questions about a facility before a crisis forces a fast decision. By bringing together health professionals, policymakers, caregivers, and families, this campaign pushes for more resources and continued research that can improve treatment and quality of life. ## Top 10 Facts About Alzheimer’s Disease in 2026 1. About **57 million people** live with dementia worldwide, with nearly **10 million new cases** every year. 2. In July 2026, the FDA approved an at-home injection version of Leqembi, one of two **drugs shown to slow Alzheimer’s.** 3. Alzheimer’s accounts for** 60% to 70%** of all dementia cases. 4. An estimated **7.4 million Americans age 65 and older** are living with Alzheimer’s in 2026, about **1 in 9 people** in that age group. 5. Almost** two-thirds** of Americans with Alzheimer’s are **women.** 6. Alzheimer’s is the **6th leading cause of death** in the U.S., with 116,022 deaths recorded and an average survival of 4 to 8 years after diagnosis. 7. Health and long-term care costs for people with dementia are projected to reach **$409 billion** in 2026. 8. Nearly 13 million family members and friends provided **19.6 billion hours of unpaid care** in 2025, valued at $446.3 billion. 9. About **46% of nursing home residents** have Alzheimer’s or another dementia, rising to 58% of long-stay residents. 10. At age 80, about **75% of people with Alzheimer’s** live in a nursing home, compared with 4% of the general population at that age. Need help advocating for your loved one in a nursing home? Call us at [(855) 264-6310](tel:+18552646310) or Click to Live Chat to see how we can help you. ## Alzheimer’s Disease and Nursing Home Abuse Residents with Alzheimer’s and other dementias are at greater risk of abuse and [neglect in long-term care](https://www.nursinghomeabusecenter.com/nursing-home-neglect/). Memory loss and confusion can make it hard for these residents to identify mistreatment or speak up when harm occurs. This includes an increased risk from other residents. Cornell University researchers estimated that 1 in 5 nursing home residents and 1 in 7 assisted living residents experienced some form of aggression within a single month. > “In the vast majority of incidents, there are warning signs in the months, weeks, days, hours, and sometimes minutes and seconds prior.” > > **– Eilon Caspi, dementia consultant and researcher, KFF Health News** Nursing home abuse is a widespread threat to residents’ dignity and safety. Staying involved is often the best safeguard for your loved one. **Warning signs families should watch for include:** - Advanced bedsores, including [stage 4 pressure injuries](https://www.nursinghomeabusecenter.com/nursing-home-injuries/bedsores/stages/stage-4/) - Poor hygiene or unmet medical needs - Rapid weight loss or [signs of dehydration](https://www.nursinghomeabusecenter.com/nursing-home-neglect/dehydration/) - [Unexplained injuries](https://www.nursinghomeabusecenter.com/nursing-home-injuries/) or bruises - Wandering unsupervised ([nursing home elopement](https://www.nursinghomeabusecenter.com/nursing-home-neglect/elopement/)) - Withdrawal or sudden changes in behavior and mood Nursing home abuse is never acceptable. If your loved one with dementia was harmed, legal action may help protect them and others. Contact us now for a** free case review.** ## How to Celebrate World Alzheimer’s Day Families, caregivers, and advocates can honor World Alzheimer’s Day by taking part in awareness efforts and staying engaged while caring for loved ones. These observances in September create opportunities to educate others, show support, and help keep people with dementia safe. ### World Alzheimer’s Month​ **September is World Alzheimer’s Month**, so awareness isn’t limited to one day. This year’s theme, “The Earlier You Know, The More You Can Do: A Dementia Diagnosis Matters,” runs all month long. **Families and supporters can get involved by:** - Downloading the [2026 campaign toolkit from Alzheimer’s Disease International](https://www.alzint.org/u/World-Alzheimers-Month-2025_Campaign-Toolkit-English_V1.8.pdf) for graphics and facts - Sharing posts with #AskAboutDementia and #AskAboutAlzheimers to raise awareness - Visiting a loved one in care, spending time together, and asking staff how they’re doing Awareness grows when families stay involved. Asking questions is one of the most effective ways to protect residents with dementia. ### National Assisted Living Week 2026 National Assisted Living Week takes place **September 13 to 19, 2026.** The week honors the lives of assisted living residents and recognizes the dedication of staff who provide daily care. The 2026 theme is “Shining Through the Years.” It honors residents for the lives they have led and the wisdom they share, while recognizing the caregivers who help them keep doing it. Communities are encouraged to share their celebrations using #NALW. For families, this week is also a reminder to stay engaged in a loved one’s care. Quality assisted living should mean more than basic services — it should include safe surroundings, meaningful activities, and compassionate support. Abuse and neglect often go unreported in assisted living. [Warning signs](https://www.nursinghomeabusecenter.com/nursing-home-abuse/signs/) can include bedsores, weight loss, dehydration, or sudden changes in behavior. Visiting often, asking questions, and watching for red flags can help protect residents from neglect or abuse. Staying involved is one of the **most effective ways** to ensure dignity and respect. ## Help for Nursing Home Residents With Dementia Families often worry when a loved one with dementia enters a nursing home. Memory loss and confusion can make it harder for residents to recognize or report abuse, which means families must stay alert and involved. **If you’re worried about the safety of a loved one with dementia, you can:** 1. **Visit regularly:** Frequent visits might help you notice changes in weight, mood, or hygiene, all of which could be signs of neglect. 2. **Talk openly with staff:** Ask about daily care routines, safety policies, and how the facility supports residents with dementia. 3. **Reach out to local advocates:** Long-term care ombudsmen and [nursing home lawyers](https://www.nursinghomeabusecenter.com/legal/lawyer/) can explain your options and help you act if problems arise. Protecting residents with dementia requires vigilance. Families who ask questions and stay engaged play a critical role in preventing abuse and neglect. If you believe your loved one is being abused, don’t wait. The Nursing Home Abuse Center can help you take legal action. **Call us at [(855) 264-6310](tel:+18552646310)** right now or [get a free case review](https://www.nursinghomeabusecenter.com/legal-case-review/). Posted in [Advocacy](https://www.nursinghomeabusecenter.com/blog/category/protecting/), [News](https://www.nursinghomeabusecenter.com/blog/category/news/)Tagged [Alzheimer's disease](https://www.nursinghomeabusecenter.com/blog/tag/alzheimers-disease/), [Dementia in nursing homes](https://www.nursinghomeabusecenter.com/blog/tag/dementia-in-nursing-homes/), [Elder Abuse](https://www.nursinghomeabusecenter.com/blog/tag/elder-abuse/), [National Assisted Living Week](https://www.nursinghomeabusecenter.com/blog/tag/national-assisted-living-week/), [Nursing Home Abuse](https://www.nursinghomeabusecenter.com/blog/tag/nursing-home-abuse/), [Preventing Abuse](https://www.nursinghomeabusecenter.com/blog/tag/preventing-abuse/), [World Alzheimer's Day](https://www.nursinghomeabusecenter.com/blog/tag/world-alzheimers-day/) **Nursing Home Abuse Support Team**Last modified: September 24, 2026 **Reviewed by:**__[Julie Rivers, MBA, CSA](https://www.nursinghomeabusecenter.com/contributors/julie-rivers-mba/ "Julie Rivers, MBA, CSA")__ Eldercare Advocate & Certified Senior Advisor - Fact-Checked - Editor Julie Rivers is an eldercare advocate with over 25 years of experience focused on nursing home resident safety. She began as a case manager at a nursing home law firm, working with families in crisis. She is a Certified Senior Advisor and also cared for her mother through Alzheimer’s. Her business training deepens her understanding of how for-profit facilities operate. **Written by:**__[The Nursing Home Abuse Center Team](https://www.nursinghomeabusecenter.com/about/ "The Nursing Home Abuse Center Team")__ The Nursing Home Abuse Center (NHAC) was founded to bring justice to those affected by nursing home and elder abuse. Our mission is to educate and empower victims of abuse and their families to take a stand against this unlawful mistreatment. We work to return dignity back to those who have been broken down by nursing home abuse and neglect. View Sources 1. Alzheimer’s Association. (2026). 2026 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures. Retrieved from . 2. Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI). (2025). World Alzheimer Report 2025. Retrieved from . 3. Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI) (2026). World Alzheimer’s Month. Retrieved from . 4. American Health Care Association. (2026). National Assisted Living Week. Retrieved from . 5. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (CDC). (2026). Alzheimer’s disease. Retrieved from . 6. Rau, J. (2026). Violence repeatedly erupts in dementia care despite warnings, inspections show. Retrieved from . 7. The BMJ. (2025). Time to nursing home admission and death in people with dementia: systematic review and meta-analysis. Retrieved from . 8. World Health Organization (WHO). (2026). Dementia. Retrieved from .