‘Alzheimer’s Month Inauguration’ and ‘The Purple Run’ to Mark ‘September Alzheimer’s Month’
September is World Alzheimer’s Month!’ Alzheimer’s Month Inauguration’ on 1st September 2017 at 7 am at Kadri Park, Mangaluru and ‘The Purple Run’ on 24 September 2017 starting from Forum Fiza Mall, to Mark ‘September Alzheimer’s Month’
Mangaluru: Addressing the media persons during a press meet held at Mangalore Press Club, Dr Olinda Pereira-President of PAGE (People`s Association of Geriatric Empowerment) said, “September 2017 will mark the sixth global World Alzheimer’s Month, an international campaign to raise awareness of dementia and challenge stigma. The theme for World Alzheimer’s Month 2017 is Remember Me. We’re encouraging people all around the world to learn to spot the signs of dementia, but also not to forget about loved ones who are living with dementia, or those who may have passed away.”
“Every 3 seconds, someone in the world develops dementia. India and other developing countries are going to be the worst hit because of population ageing and rising risk factors for dementia such as diabetes, physical inactivity, midlife hypertension, smoking and alcohol abuse. India is estimated to have nearly 4.5 million people with dementia and the number is likely to rise to nearly 13 million by 2050 and we are poorly prepared. There is lack of awareness of the condition along with stigma. Many of the elderly with dementia are even chained. They definitely need the love and care of the loved ones and the society at this stage of their lives.” added Dr Olinda.
Dr Olinda further said,” The impact of September’s campaign is growing, but the stigmatisation and misinformation that surrounds dementia remains a global problem.” added Dr Olinda. We, The members of PAGE (People`s Association of Geriatric Empowerment ) group of organisations of the city of Mangalore and Udupi want to observe the month in a Unique Way with activities spread throughout the month with the goal of making the City of Mangaluru and Udupi Dementia Friendly. ” Er Jeradin D Souza –Founder of Mangalore Alzheimer Association was also seated on the dais.
Activities Listed for the Month
1.Launch of The Alzheimer`s Month at Kadri Park, Mangaluru on 1-9-2017 at 7 AM
2.Story telling Competition on memory Loss and an awareness programme between 2-9-2017 and 18-9-2017 in various organisations working for the elderly
3.Story Telling Competition for Elders –Finals at Forum Fiza Mall on 21-9-2017
4.Grand Finale –Town Hall on 23-9-2017 between 9-12 noon with the launching of the Documentary on Alzheimer`s Disease -I don’t Miss Him and Entertainment by Seniors
5.Purple Run from Forum Mall 5 AM to 7 AM on 24-9-2017
Please join us in our war against Dementia- How can you Help?
1.By deputing your students for the programme
2.By an awareness programme in your own organisation
3.By becoming member of PAGE
4.By bringing People with dementia to the programme
6.By identifying Care Givers/Family members of patients with dementia
6.By sponsoring Refreshments for the events
7.For contributing prizes for the event
8.By giving your advertisement for a souvenir which will include elder care facilities in Mangalore
Also addressing the media persons, Fayaz MH-Assistant Centre Manager-Forum Fiza Mall said, “Mangaluru will host the India’s biggest run for Alzheimer’s awareness on 24th September 2017.Alzheimer’s disease is currently the 5th leading cause of death in India, and the only cause among the top ten that cannot be prevented, cured or slowed.in India, more than 4 million people suffer from some form of dementia. Despite this, there’s a stigma attached to mental illness among us. Forum’s The Purple Run mission is to focus first and foremost is to raise awareness about the Alzheimer’s, and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Our vision is the world without Alzheimer’s.”
“The Purple Run is a unique initiative by The FORUM to raise awareness about the Alzheimer’s. More than 10,000 people will be running for one single cause at the same time across 5 Forum Malls in 4 cities; Mangaluru, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Chennai. In this first edition of the Purple Run, our focus first and foremost is to raise awareness about the Alzheimer’s, and also ensure runners safety as well. We hope to see an increased number of participants from colleges and other institutions, and request the citizens to cheer these runners on their route” added Fayaz.
Marketing Manager of Forum Mall Sunil KS said, ” The Purple Run offers the running distances of 3 km (Family Run), 5 km, 10 km and the half marathon distance of 21 km, giving each participant an opportunity to run in their comfort zone. The marathons start from The Forum Fiza Mall and culminate at the same venue. The registrations are already open. The prize money for the edition is Rs. 6 lakhs worth for the winners in different categories like Male and Female in the half marathon and 10-km run. The 3-km and 5-km run is classified as a fun run and the winners will get a chance to win Gift Hampers”
Online registrations can be done through the Forum website https://forummalls.in/thepurplerun