TURNING AWARENESS INTO ACTION: REFLECTING ON WORLD ALZHEIMER’S DAY 2026

By Rakopa Ramabale

• The Department of Social Development (DSD) held its commemoration under this year’s global theme. The theme stresses that an early dementia diagnosis helps people and families understand the condition, plan ahead and get support.
• The keynote described dementia as a family, community, human rights and social development issue. It affects caregivers and families as much as the person diagnosed.
• Stakeholders were called on to encourage early diagnosis, support caregivers, challenge stigma and build dementia-friendly communities where older persons are valued and protected.

The National Department of Social Development, in collaboration with the Gauteng Department of Social Development, commemorated World Alzheimer’s Day at Saulsville Arena in Gauteng on 29 September 2026. World Alzheimer’s Day is observed internationally on 21 September, during World Alzheimer’s Month.
The gathering brought together government representatives, older persons, people living with dementia, caregivers, families, professionals and community stakeholders. Participants reflected on the realities of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. They also highlighted the importance of early diagnosis, family support, dignity and stronger community-based responses.

This year’s commemoration was held under the global theme “The Earlier You Know, The More You Can Do: A Dementia Diagnosis Matters.” The theme served as a reminder that awareness must go beyond simply knowing about dementia. It must lead to understanding, action and better outcomes for individuals, families and communities.

Throughout the programme, speakers emphasised that dementia affects more than the person who receives the diagnosis. It can have a profound impact on families, caregivers and communities. Families often have to rearrange their responsibilities, and those providing care face additional emotional and financial demands.

In his keynote address, Mr Nkere Skhosana, Chief Director for HIV and AIDS Prevention at the National Department of Social Development, reinforced this view. He described dementia as not only a health issue, but also a family, community, human rights and social development issue.

This perspective is closely aligned with the social development mandate. That mandate places people, families and communities at the centre of interventions that promote social protection, inclusion and a better quality of life.

The commemoration also provided a platform to reflect on the dignity and rights of older persons living with dementia. The Department reaffirmed that every older person should be able to age with dignity, security, respect and support.

Discussions drew attention to the stigma, discrimination, neglect and abuse that some older persons living with dementia experience. Participants were encouraged to challenge misconceptions and to promote greater understanding within families and communities.

A key part of the day was the recognition of caregivers and families. Many people living with dementia rely on family members and caregivers for daily support, often in difficult circumstances. Their contribution goes beyond practical care to include emotional support, companionship and advocacy for their loved ones.

The role of community members, volunteers, faith-based organisations and support groups was also acknowledged. Their involvement reflects the spirit of Ubuntu and the collective responsibility to support families affected by dementia.

The commemoration further highlighted that addressing dementia requires partnership. Everyone has a role to play in creating supportive, dementia-friendly communities, including:
•⁠ ⁠government departments
•⁠ ⁠healthcare practitioners
•⁠ ⁠social service professionals
•⁠ ⁠civil society organisations
•⁠ ⁠research institutions
•⁠ ⁠traditional and religious leaders
•⁠ ⁠families and communities

The collaboration between the national and Gauteng departments was itself an example of this approach. It strengthened coordination in responding to the needs of older persons and people affected by dementia.

The occasion also served as a reminder that early diagnosis can be an important starting point for individuals and families to understand dementia and access appropriate support. Greater awareness helps families prepare, seek assistance and make informed decisions. Communities, in turn, can help reduce stigma and ensure that people living with dementia remain included.

The day closed with a call to move from awareness to action. Stakeholders were urged to:
•⁠ ⁠encourage early diagnosis
•⁠ ⁠support families and caregivers
•⁠ ⁠challenge stigma
•⁠ ⁠build communities where older persons feel valued, protected and included

For the Department of Social Development, this commitment includes several areas of work:
•⁠ ⁠advocating for the rights of older persons
•⁠ ⁠strengthening community-based services
•⁠ ⁠supporting awareness initiatives
•⁠ ⁠promoting active ageing programmes that improve the wellbeing and quality of life of older persons

Ultimately, the commemoration was more than the observance of an international day. It created space for government and stakeholders to listen, reflect and reaffirm their collective responsibility towards people living with dementia, and towards the families and caregivers who support them.
The message from the day is simple but significant: the earlier we know, the more we can do.