Every September, World Alzheimer’s Month raises awareness of one of the most pressing issues in brain health: the need for timely and accurate diagnosis. For millions of people around the world, a delayed diagnosis can mean years of uncertainty, stress, and missed opportunities for early treatment and support. This month serves as both a global call to action and a reminder of what’s at stake when individuals and families must navigate Alzheimer’s without the answers they deserve.

Globally, more than three quarters of people living with dementia remain undiagnosed. In the United States, individuals wait an average of nearly three years—from the first signs of memory loss to receiving a confirmed diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease. That’s nearly three years of lost time for care planning, access to new therapies, and vital conversations about safety and quality of life. These delays ripple far beyond the individual, affecting family members, caregivers, and communities who lose valuable time to prepare, connect with resources, and make informed choices. The absence of a diagnosis can also deepen stigma and silence—discouraging people from seeking help until the disease has progressed significantly.

That’s why awareness and advocacy during World Alzheimer’s Month are so critical. Each conversation, screening, and story shared helps break down the barriers of stigma and misinformation that stand in the way of early detection. Expanding access to timely diagnosis is not only a medical priority—it’s a moral and social imperative.

Timely diagnosis is more than a clinical milestone—it’s a turning point. It allows people to participate in decisions about their care, maintain independence longer, and connect with the resources and community support they need. For families, it brings understanding, relief, and the ability to plan with purpose rather than uncertainty. For society, it’s a step toward ensuring that brain health is valued and protected for all.