World Alzheimer’s Month: Asking the Right Questions, Building a Dementia-Capable World

Each September, the global community recognizes World Alzheimer’s Month, a time to raise awareness, challenge stigma, and invite deeper conversations about dementia. This year, the theme is simple but powerful: #AskAboutDementia.

Behind every question is a story. Behind every story is an opportunity for empathy, innovation, and change. At AGE-u-cate Training Institute®, we believe that one of the most effective ways to transform dementia care is to ask better questions—of ourselves, our colleagues, and most importantly, of the people living with dementia and their caregivers.

Why Asking Matters

Too often, dementia is reduced to a clinical definition or a list of symptoms. But dementia isn’t just memory loss. It impacts communication, emotions, relationships, and daily life. Asking questions—about what it feels like, what support is needed, and how care can adapt—unlocks insights that textbooks alone cannot teach:

• “Do you know what it might feel like to live with dementia?”
• “How can we adapt beyond medication, to connection?”
• “What questions have gone unasked for too long?”

These questions create the foundation for empathy-driven care, where people are seen not only as patients but as individuals with voices, needs, and dignity.

Beyond Diagnosis: Support That Truly Matters

Receiving a dementia diagnosis is only the beginning. Families and professionals alike often ask: “What comes next?” The answer cannot be just medication. It must be about connection, empowerment, and practical tools.

Caregivers have shared with us that what made the greatest difference wasn’t a medical prescription, but someone showing them how to adapt—how to communicate more effectively, reduce stress, and create moments of joy.

That’s why experiential programs like Dementia Live® and Compassionate Touch® exist: to turn empathy into action, and sadness into empowerment.

Training and Resources for Professionals

This World Alzheimer’s Month, we’re also spotlighting our upcoming Facilitator Dementia Education Series launching September 23. This initiative equips professionals to lead evidence-informed, person-centered dementia education in their organizations and communities.

Because real impact doesn’t start in a textbook—it starts with preparation, lived experience, and practice.

Join the Conversation

We invite you to participate in this year’s campaign:

• Reflect on the questions that shaped your own caregiving or professional journey.
• Explore resources like our Warning Signs of Dementia infographic to guide discussions with families and colleagues.
• Ask your own dementia question using #AskAboutDementia and #AskAboutAlzheimers on LinkedIn to connect with a global movement.

Together, by asking better questions, we can create communities and care systems that are truly dementia-capable.

For the month of September, we’re offering 15% off to honor World Alzheimer’s Month. Use code WorldAlzMonth at checkout!