All around the world, the month of September has been reserved to honor those living with the impact of being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. World Alzheimer’s Month activists hope to raise awareness for those battling dementia by hosting events and fairs that will fundraise money for research. Last Friday marked the anniversary of Alzheimer’s Action Day, a day preserved to influence activists to take action and contribute toward the fight against Alzheimer’s disease.

President and Chief executive officer of the Alzheimer’s Association San Diego/Imperial Chapter, Mary Ball believes young people need to become more knowledgeable about this impactful ailment.

“Awareness is really important … Alzheimer’s is known as the quiet epidemic … But 60,000 people in San Diego County are living with this disease,” Ball said. Ball continued to provide shocking statistics declaring Alzheimer’s disease as the third leading cause of death in San Diego County. She wants to raise awareness and promote San Diego State student participation in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s, which takes place every weekend in October, to get more young people involved.

Director of Communications spokesperson for the Alzheimer’s Association Patty Guinto believes young adults need to join the fight against Alzheimer’s disease saying “5.4 million Americans are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s … And college-aged students are becoming caretakers for a parent struggling with Alzheimer’s.”

As research shows, the number of people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease will increase in the years to come, that is why organizations such as the Alzheimer’s Association are doing the best they can to help increase awareness.