Alzheimer’s disease is a devastating form of dementia that causes memory, thinking and behavior problems. It is believed two different proteins – Aβ (amyloid beta) and tau – are the primary contributors to its pathology. Misfolded Aβ builds up to form plaques between nerve cells in the brain. Tangles of twisted tau fibrils spread from cell-to-cell and cause build up inside cells. Prothena leverages this foundational knowledge along with insights gained over the last 20 years of drug development in the Alzheimer’s disease space to develop new approaches to address this complex disease.

September is World Alzheimer’s Month, so we sat down with the CEO of Alzheimer’s Disease International, Paola Barbarino, to learn more about the organization’s work.

Q: What motivates you every day to support the Alzheimer’s disease community?
A: What motivates me to support this community is the deep sense of responsibility and empathy I feel for people affected by this condition. I’m inspired by the courage and resilience of individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease and their families, who navigate the challenges of this disease with incredible strength. Knowing that our work can bring comfort, support and hope to millions around the world fuels my commitment.

The dementia and Alzheimer’s community is not just a cause—it’s a global family united by a shared experience. Every day, I’m driven by the stories of caregivers, patients, and advocates who work tirelessly to improve the lives of those affected.

Q: How does Alzheimer’s Disease International provide support for patients and caregivers?
A: ADI aims to tackle dementia globally by empowering local Alzheimer’s and dementia associations to advocate, raise awareness and provide support to people living with Alzheimer’s disease in their respective countries. We drive global attention to dementia, advocate for better policies and encourage innovation in research. Our Alzheimer University strengthens care and advocacy skills for our members, while our annual conference unites the global dementia community. Every September, we lead World Alzheimer’s Month to raise awareness and combat stigma. We also publish the World Alzheimer Report, offering key insights into research, care and policy to ensure meaningful progress in dementia care and treatment worldwide.

Q: Why is it important that we recognize World Alzheimer’s Month?
A: Recognising World Alzheimer’s Month is crucial to raise global awareness about a condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It helps to break down the stigma surrounding dementia, encourage early diagnosis and promote understanding and support for those living with Alzheimer’s and their families. By uniting voices across the world, World Alzheimer’s Month drives advocacy, inspires action and promotes better care, policies and research.

Q. What is this year’s theme for World Alzheimer’s Month and why is it important?
A. The focus of this year’s World Alzheimer’s Month campaign, ‘Attitudes to dementia’, centres on understanding and addressing the current perceptions and attitudes towards dementia, aiming to address the stigma and misinformation around the condition to ultimately build a more dementia friendly society. We are encouraging as many people as possible to join us online and use the hashtags #TimeToActOnDementia, #TimeToActOnAlzheimers and #WorldAlzMonth to raise awareness of dementia across the world.

Q: What do you see as the most important need for patients with Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers?
A: The most important need for people living with Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers is comprehensive, compassionate support. This includes access to early and accurate diagnosis, effective treatments and personalised care plans that address both medical and emotional needs. Caregivers also require robust support networks, resources and respite care to help them manage the challenges they face.

Q: At Prothena, we have a shared commitment to Alzheimer’s disease patients, caregivers, patient organizations, and to the multidisciplinary physicians that care for the community. What message do you want to share with the Prothena team?
A: Your dedication to people living with Alzheimer’s disease and their families is truly inspiring. Your work brings us closer to breakthroughs that could change lives and offer hope to millions. Keep pushing boundaries, knowing that your efforts are making a real difference in the lives of countless individuals around the world.

Learn more about Alzheimer’s disease here and hear firsthand from a patient here.