September Marks World Alzheimer’s Month, Highlighting Early Detection

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - September is observed as World Alzheimer’s Month, highlighting awareness, early detection, support, understanding, education, and action for communities. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia, progressively affecting memory, thinking, behavior, communication, and everyday abilities.

On the Indonesian Ministry of Health’s Instagram account, Vice Minister of Health Dante Saksono Harbuwono said dementia refers to symptoms involving declining cognitive function that interferes with daily activities, social interactions, and independence. “Dementia is a decline in cognitive and behavioral functions, which can also affect a person’s ability to carry out daily activities. Although forgetfulness can be an early sign, dementia is not simply part of ageing and deserves medical attention,” he said in a statement posted on Monday, 28 September 2026.

The importance of recognizing such changes early is also reflected in the experience of Prof. Melani Budianta, a professor at the University of Indonesia. She shared how her husband, a writer and poet, gradually became quieter before undergoing a cognitive assessment.

At the time, she was busy teaching but began noticing changes after others observed that her husband spoke less and seemed less lively. Her experience encouraged early detection, while later examination prompted her to learn more about hydration and brain health.

She joined Walking the Talk for Dementia 2026, walking forty kilometers over four days alongside people with dementia initiated by Alzheimer Indonesia (ALZI). “We registered with ALZI and received a lot of information, which helped us prepare ourselves and prevent cognitive decline from worsening into dementia,” Prof. Melani said.

According to Indonesia’s Health Ministry, about 1.2 million Indonesians live with dementia, potentially reaching four million by 2050. Globally, WHO estimates nearly ten million new dementia cases occur every year, underscoring the need for greater awareness.

Early detection can help families recognize changes sooner and prepare appropriate support, care, and medical follow-up when necessary. The Health Ministry says cognitive screening is included in Indonesia’s Free Health Check program for adults aged sixty and older.

More than 2.4 million older adults have reportedly already undergone screening through this program in Indonesia throughout 2026. The program supports early identification of health problems and encourages timely follow-up when concerns are first identified.

Families are encouraged to discuss cognitive changes and use health services rather than dismissing symptoms as normal ageing. This aligns with the 2026 theme, “The Earlier You Know, The More You Can Do: A Dementia Diagnosis Matters,” which emphasizes early detection.