NATIONAL NEWS - September is World Alzheimer’s Month and this year it marks the seventh annual World Alzheimer’s Month campaign, which aims to raise awareness of dementia and challenge the stigma of the disability.

This year the theme is "Every 3 seconds". This is because every three seconds someone in the world develops dementia. Share this message with three of your friends this World Alzheimer’s Month and support people affected by dementia worldwide. Go to #Every3Seconds and #WorldAlzMonth.

The primary objective of World Alzheimer’s Month is to reach out to as many countries as possible, showing the global impact of dementia and promoting dementia awareness and what people can do to help support those living with the disease.

Worldwide there are more than 50 million people living with dementia in 2018, and this is expected to increase to 152 million by 2050 if effective risk-reduction strategies are not implemented.

Here in the Southern Cape, Alzheimer's SA, the organisation which trains carers of Alzheimer's patients, is holding special fundraising events.

To donate to Alzheimer's SA in the Southern Cape or get involved, contact Alzheimer's SA Southern Cape branch manager Hettie Theron (044 877 0417 or managersc@alzheimers.org.za).

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