World Alzheimer’s Month: The Power of Asking Questions
September is World Alzheimer’s Month, a time to come together in awareness and action for the 55 million people around the world living with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Leading up to World Alzheimer’s Day on September 21, this year’s campaign focuses on breaking stigma and opening conversations through the hashtags #AskAboutDementia and #AskAboutAlzheimers. Through asking questions and wanting to learn more, we can all help replace the fear that often surrounds this diagnosis with greater understanding and compassion.
At Benchmark Senior Living, Alzheimer’s awareness, resident care, and community connection are at the heart of everything we do. This September, we’re proud to host special initiatives that bring together residents, families, and associates in support of World Alzheimer’s Month.
The Importance of Asking Questions
Whether it’s asking, “Is this a normal sign of aging?” or reaching out for guidance on support services, sometimes one question can change everything. Early diagnosis not only benefits the individual but also gives families time to adapt, prepare, and strengthen their own emotional well-being. That’s why this year’s campaign highlights the simple but powerful act of asking questions; to break down the stigma and create an open dialogue around Alzheimer’s disease.
Research from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) shows that stigma and misconceptions about Alzheimer’s often keep people from seeking medical help or receiving an early diagnosis. Yet early detection is key; it allows people to access treatments, support systems, and resources that can help them live independently and enjoy a higher quality of life for years. So go ahead and ask that question you’ve always been wondering about this disease, because sometimes just asking can change a life.
Coming Together This September
World Alzheimer’s Month is about community, raising awareness, supporting research, and celebrating the lives of those impacted by Alzheimer’s. This September, many Benchmark communities will host special initiatives designed to engage residents, families, and associates while giving back. These events raise awareness and funds, while also creating moments of connection, celebration, and shared purpose.
Community Bake Sale: Sharing sweet treats “baked with love” to benefit Alzheimer’s research.
Legacy Tree Tribute Wall: Families honor or remember loved ones with paper or wooden leaves, creating a beautiful display of names and memories.
Paint for Purpose Art Sale & Gallery Walk: Residents will showcase art inspired by personal stories and cherished memories, with donations supporting the cause.
Community Walks: Many Benchmark communities will participate in local Alzheimer’s Association Walks to End Alzheimer’s, joining thousands of others in raising awareness and funds for research and support.
Wearing Purple: On World Alzheimer’s Day, September 21st, all Mind & Memory Care associates are encouraged to wear purple as a visible symbol of hope and unity.
Benchmark’s Approach to Alzheimer’s & Dementia Care
At Benchmark Senior Living, we believe every resident deserves to live with dignity, purpose, and connection, no matter their diagnosis. And families can feel confident knowing their loved one is surrounded by people who truly understand Alzheimer’s and are committed to supporting every stage of the journey.
Our memory care neighborhoods are thoughtfully designed to be dementia-friendly, with features such as:
- Specialized lighting to help reduce sundowning or late-day confusion.
- Some communities offer aromatherapy to relieve symptoms and improve mental processing.
- Visual cues and themed areas by color help residents find their way and feel at ease.
- Secure outdoor courtyards provide safe spaces for gardening, birdwatching, or taking a walk.
- Indoor therapeutic gardening programs, available at certain communities, offer residents opportunities to nurture and enjoy life’s simple pleasures.
- Inspired spaces and connection kits invite residents to reminisce and spark meaningful conversations.
- Hair salons exclusively for memory care residents can make self-care simple and accessible.
Just as important as the environment are our trained associates. Mind & Memory Care Directors are Certified Dementia Practitioners (CDP), along with the Executive Directors in our memory care-exclusive communities. They provide compassionate support while fostering a sense of belonging. Our award-winning Connect First program is an intentional way of interacting with residents that emphasizes connection as an essential part of providing care. All associates are trained to engage first, building a rapport that fosters trust, improves communication and eases anxiety.
Creating Joy Every Day
This month is about raising awareness, but it’s also about finding joy in connection. At Benchmark Senior Living, joy is woven into daily life through moments of laughter, connection, and creativity. From Creative Expressions, music therapy, and pet visits to social clubs, family celebrations, and shared mealtimes, there’s always something to bond over. Our programs are designed to fill each day with meaning, purpose, and opportunities to connect.
We invite you to explore What Happiness Looks Like in Memory Care at our Benchmark communities.
An Invitation to Learn More
World Alzheimer’s Month reminds us that there is power in awareness and in connection. Whether through attending a fundraising event, wearing purple on September 21st, sharing a message online, or simply taking time to ask about dementia, every act of support helps move us closer to a more compassionate world.
We also welcome families to tour a Benchmark community or join us for a September event to experience firsthand the care and compassion that define our approach. Together, we can honor those living with Alzheimer’s, uplift their families, and continue building communities of connection and hope.
