World Alzheimer’s Month launched in city on September 1
Mangalore Today News Network
Mangaluru, September 1, 2023: People’s Association for Geriatrics Empowerment (PAGE), observing the Month of September 2023, as ’World Alzheimer`s Month’, held a dedicated inaugural this morning, September 1 at Kadri Park with enthusiasm and well justified gusto with an unprecedented participation. Alzheimer`s disease is a disease of the brain affecting the memory, thinking, behaviour and language of the person, seen to spread rapidly in recent times.
The number of people living with dementia around the world is over 55 million, The number is likely to rise to 139 million people by 2050. India is estimated to have 7million with dementia. Early diagnosis and control of risk factors such as diabetes, hypertension, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, depression and obesity are likely to reduce the burden. Exercise, socialization and brain stimulation activities are protective factors. Treatment of Diseases, Diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, Small vessel strokes and Parkinson`s disease, depression ,sleeplessness is beneficial. Multicomponent interventions including drugs,exercise, diet , and brain stimulation activities are known to keep those with dementia active and independent.
Alzhimers/Dementia is characterized by 8 ’A’s. 1. Anosognosia: Person is unaware that he has a disease 2.Agnosia: Person is unable to recognize familiar faces and objects 3. Apraxia : Person is unable to perform simple tasks although he has no paralysis. 4. Aphasia : The inability to understand what others say is one of the first signs of aphasia, followed by the loss of the ability to speak. 5.Altered perception : Inability to hear, see, smell or taste or touch although there is no problem with ears, eyes,nose, tongue or skin 6 Amnesia: A form of memory loss 7. Apathy: One of the most common symptoms of dementia is apathy, which is defined as a lack of interest in things or a general feeling of not caring 8. Attention deficits: This last symptom comes from more recent literature and has been used in dementia diagnoses. Attention deficits may be pronounced enough that someone cannot carry on a conversation or perform basic activities.
PAGE and its members, Empower Geriatric people by testing the memory of the elderly and addressing risk factors. by healthy ageing lectures ,active ageing programmes,awareness on signs and symptoms of dementia. We also encourage people to create facilities for people living with dementia such as residential care facilities, day care facilities ,multicomponent intervention centres.
PAGE has started a programme called the Senior Buddy Programme through which students connect to elders socially by home visits for 6 months . This year similar programme is taken up by Lion`s club and Leo club under the name Saathi which is going to be enriched by contributions from students and the Department of Police . Similar programme will start with Rotary Club and Interact Clubs
Dr. Raghuveer, Former Pro Chancellor, and President of P.A.G.E. Welcomed the Esteemed Dignitaries and the Gathering of Elders and Youth. Dr. Prabha Adhikari, Vice President of PAGE gave insights and explained the activities for Alzheimer’s Month September 2023. DCP Anshu Kumar, IPS, was thrilled by the Caring Program of Elders and assured all assistance to Elders and gave the Police Helpline Number and assured police assistance in 10 minutes, in emergencies. Dr. Ravish Thunga, Renowned Psychiatrist Shared his insights and real experiences. Lions Club President Sheena Poojary, BNI President , Rotary Club President, shared their thoughts to benefit all. Jerardin D’Souza, Founder, Mangalore Alzheimer’s Association & Secretary of PAGE. appreciated all the Selfless People involved in making the Life of our Elders smoother. He also proposed the vote of thanks. Mohanraj, Treasurer of PAGE, emphasized the Role of Youth , and also coordinated the Program.
A Large number of organizations, Educational institutions, Hospitals, LIONS Club, Rotary Club, Universities joined together to Remember and Celebrate the Role of Elders in Society. Caregivers with hands-on experience shared their knowledge in taking care of their Alzheimers Affected. Dance Queen Prathiksha Prabhu, and Team Upasana ..Danced to Lively encouraging music and had the Whole Gathering on their Feet....Truly a Program that Brought our Elders cheer and gave them a sense of belonging.
Compiled by I.J.Saldanha Shet