Today marks the beginning of World Alzheimer's Month

September 2015 is the fourth annual World Alzheimer's Month, a month that is dedicated to internationally raising awareness and challenging the stigma that surrounds Alzheimer's.

The disease was first discovered in 1906, and it is named after Dr. Alois Alzheimer. Dr. Alzheimer had found noticeable differences and changes in the brain tissue of a women who had died from an unusual mental illness. He examined her symptoms -- which included abnormal clumps or plaques and tangled bundles of fibers -- which are the main brain-related indicators for Alzheimer's today.

Now, Alzheimer's disease is currently ranked as the sixth leading cause of death in the U.S., and it is the most common cause of dementia among older adults.

See the map below for a breakdown of specific counties that are affected by Alzheimer's:

This year's theme is "Remember Me," a theme that encourages people around the world to learn more about detecting the signs of dementia. The theme is also meant to focus on remembering loved ones who suffer from dementia or passed away.

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