September Is World Alzheimer’s Month — Make It Count
Hello, and welcome,
We’ve all heard it before: the offhand joke about forgetting something and “having Alzheimer’s.” It’s meant lightly, but for someone living with the disease, or supporting a loved one through it, those words can land heavily. Alzheimer’s is not just about misplaced keys or forgotten names; it’s a slow, often distressing shift that can bring moments of confusion, panic, and even sudden anger. And yet, these experiences are rarely part of how we talk about it.
With Alzheimer’s Awareness Month on the horizon this September, it feels like the right moment to consider how we approach those conversations, and how we can replace casual shorthand with understanding, empathy, and accurate information. Because the way we speak about Alzheimer’s doesn’t just reflect our awareness, it shapes it.
Until next time, thanks for reading.
Beth
It was 1906 when a German physician, Dr Alois Alzheimer, first described “a peculiar disease” that caused profound memory loss and distinctive changes in the brain. More than a century later, Alzheimer’s disease has become the most common cause of dementia, responsible for up to 80% of cases worldwide. About two-thirds of those affected are women, and the impact reaches far beyond the person diagnosed, touching families, friends, and communities. Alzheimer’s develops slowly, with symptoms that intensify over time, which is why awareness, research, and early recognition matter so deeply. As Alzheimer’s Awareness Month approaches in September, we’re looking ahead to the conversations, resources, and actions that can help change the story.
Spotlight on Blog Article:
Did you know that up to 45% of dementia cases could be prevented by tackling certain lifestyle factors? Our latest blog breaks down 10 science-backed ways to look after your brain; from moving more and sleeping better, to managing stress and staying socially connected. There’s no guaranteed way to stop Alzheimer’s in its tracks, but small, consistent changes can make a big difference over time. Take a look at the full article for simple, practical steps you can start today.
More Alzheimer’s Reads You Won’t Want to Miss
If you’re looking to dive deeper into the latest thinking on Alzheimer’s, we’ve got three more articles worth your time. Each one explores a different side of the story: from breakthrough treatments to the everyday experiences that keep life meaningful.
Breaking Barriers: The Evolving Landscape of Alzheimer’s Treatments
From rising healthcare costs to the complex realities of research, Alzheimer’s care is full of challenges, but also breakthroughs. This piece looks at the progress being made and what it could mean for the future of treatment.
Technologies and Therapies: The Intersection of Innovative Diagnostics and Alzheimer’s Treatment
AI, VR, and other emerging tools are changing the face of Alzheimer’s care. Think more accurate diagnoses, personalised treatment plans, and tech that can ease the strain on caregivers, all while opening new doors for research and patient support.
Alzheimer’s Disease – Navigating the Journey of Care, Identity, and Maintaining Meaningful Activities
Life with Alzheimer’s is about more than symptoms, it’s about preserving identity, purpose, and joy. This article explores ways to boost quality of life, including a heartwarming look at The Restaurant That Makes Mistakes, where people with dementia run a real restaurant and keep their skills alive.
The Challenge of Publishing Rapidly in Alzheimer’s Research
In Alzheimer’s research, timing really is everything. A few months’ delay in sharing results can mean missed opportunities to influence treatment decisions, policy priorities, or even the next wave of funding. This is a field where science moves fast: new biomarkers are identified, trial results land, and fresh therapeutic ideas emerge constantly. Wait too long, and your hard-earned findings risk being overtaken by the next headline.
There’s also the spotlight factor. Alzheimer’s draws global attention from the public, media, and policymakers, which creates real urgency to get credible, high-quality evidence out before rumours or outdated narratives take hold. On top of that, competition for space in the most prestigious journals is fierce, and long review timelines can slow things down even further.
For publications managers and medical affairs professionals, that means thinking ahead. Plan your data release strategy early. Look at options like preprints or open-access publishing to get findings out faster. Consider where your work will make the biggest impact; sometimes a well-timed article in a highly targeted journal can move the needle more than waiting months for a top-tier slot. And when possible, align your releases with moments like World Alzheimer’s Month to ensure your work gets the attention it deserves.
Because in this space, getting the right evidence to the right people quickly can change the story for those living with Alzheimer’s.
Which brings us to the next step in the publishing journey: where to send your research. Choosing the right journal isn’t just about prestige, it’s about positioning your findings where they’ll be seen, trusted, and picked up by the people who need them most.
Spotlight: Top 10 Alzheimer’s & Dementia Journals
Looking for a journal that matches your topic, timeline, and impact goals? Our article offers a curated list of the world’s top 10 Alzheimer’s journals, complete with quick links and helpful context on what makes each one distinct, from focus areas to impact factors and peer review standards.
World Alzheimer’s Month Starts 1 September – Are You Ready?
World Alzheimer’s Month offers a valuable opportunity to raise visibility, deepen stakeholder engagement, and demonstrate your organisation’s commitment to advancing neurological health. Whether you're actively supporting an Alzheimer’s portfolio, working more broadly in neuroscience, or have a more personal reason, thoughtful engagement this September can help advance awareness, accelerate research, and support improved care for those affected.
Here are a few ways medical affairs teams and publications professionals can get involved:
- Showcase research – Highlight recent publications, real-world evidence, or key clinical insights through tailored content for HCPs, patients, or policy audiences.
- Support awareness efforts – Collaborate with advocacy groups or internal teams to align on messaging, contribute to educational materials, or share expert commentary.
- Plan strategic publications – Consider whether upcoming data or sub-analyses could be timed to support awareness month goals and reach priority audiences.
- Amplify your commitment – Use your platforms to share your organisation’s ongoing investment in dementia-related research, innovation, and patient support.
By taking a proactive approach, you support the broader Alzheimer’s movement. You also strengthen your role as a trusted voice in the conversation.
Notable News
- In a major breakthrough for a hard-to-treat form of lung cancer, the FDA has granted accelerated approval to zongertinib (Hernexeos®) for adults with unresectable or metastatic non‑squamous non‑small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) whose tumors carry HER2 tyrosine kinase domain (TKD) activating mutations. In an effort to support precision medicine, the approval also includes a companion diagnostic test to identify eligible patients. This decision comes after compelling data from the Beamion LUNG‑1 trial, which showed response rates of around 75%, with many patients experiencing months of disease control. [Link]
- A new class of synthetic opioids called nitazenes is causing alarm among health officials globally, with evidence mounting of a growing crisis that could eclipse even the fentanyl epidemic. These ultra-potent drugs, up to 15 times stronger than fentanyl, often appear mixed with common substances like heroin, cocaine, or ecstasy, leading unsuspecting users into unintentional and fatal overdoses. Naloxone can still reverse nitazene overdoses, but current detection methods and public awareness are lagging dangerously far behind. [Link]
- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Brinsupri, the first-ever treatment for non‑cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis (NCFB), a progressive lung disease characterised by permanently damaged airways, chronic cough, and excess mucus. The condition affects between 350,000 and 500,000 adults in the U.S. and had previously been managed only via antibiotics, surgeries, or devices. Brinsupri works by targeting inflammatory enzymes in white blood cells, helping reduce respiratory symptoms and improve quality of life. [Link]
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