Beginning on February 14th and ending on the 21st of that month, Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care Education Week encourages people to focus on giving respect to those suffering from these terrible cognitive diseases. Increasing empathy for Alzheimer’s and dementia patients and their families isn’t the only goal for this week.

This week also helps to promote new advancements and to advocate for continued research into these conditions. It’s not only important for healthcare professionals who deal with Alzheimer’s and dementia to observe this holiday so they can learn new communication techniques and care routines, but it’s also important for everyone else to observe it as well.

The History of Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care Education Week

Although there have been special events going back several decades to raise the profile of Alzheimer’s disease, there wasn’t a week officially dedicated to it until 2007. This is when Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care Education Week was created to raise the profile of these diseases and to help care workers get the continuing education they need to properly treat patients and communicate with the patients’ families.

Observing Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care Education Week

All across the U.S., there are education events that help staff members and families learn more about Alzheimer’s and dementia, and how they can be properly managed. People learn the difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia, learn how to recognize early symptoms, and learn memory care activities that can slow cognitive decline in affected patients.

Anyone wishing to participate in these events can, and those family members of patients suffering from these cognitive diseases are actively encouraged to participate. This is also a good week to give to charities dedicated to finding a cure for dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. And finally, people can also participate simply by spreading the word about this week using the hashtag #AlzheimersDementiaCareEducationWeek on their social media accounts.