Pope Francis remembers those affected by Alzheimer's

By Robin Gomes

Pope Francis on Wednesday remembered those affected by Alzheimer's disease and urged prayers for them, their families and those who care for them. 

Speaking at the end of his weekly audience in the Vatican, he recalled that World Alzheimer's Day will be observed on 21 September, Saturday.  The Pope recalled that it is “a  disease that affects many men and women who often become victims of violence, maltreatment and abuse that trample their dignity”.

“We pray for the conversion of hearts and for those affected by Alzheimer's, their families and those who care for them with love,” Pope Francis said. 

He also recalled “those suffering from cancer, so that they too may be increasingly supported, both in the prevention and in the treatment of this disease”.

According to the “World Alzheimer Report” 2018, some 50 million people in the world suffer from various types of dementia. About two-thirds of them have Alzheimer’s.

World Alzheimer's Day is an international campaign to raise awareness and highlight issues faced by people affected by the disease.   It's an opportunity for people and organizations to demonstrate how they can overcome these issues and help people live well with Alzheimer’s.