Let’s Talk Dementia! PAGE to Kick Off ‘ 8th World Alzheimer’s Month’ on 31 August
People’s Association for Geriatric Empowerment (PAGE) to Kick Off “8th World Alzheimer’s Month ” on 31 August at 8 am at Kadri Park, Mangaluru with the 2019 Theme “Let’s Talk About Dementia : End The Stigma “.
Mangaluru : World Alzheimer’s Month is the international campaign every September to raise awareness and challenge the stigma that surrounds dementia. September 2019 will mark the 8th World Alzheimer’s Month. The campaign was launched in 2012, and since then the World Alzheimer’s Day has been celebrated on 21 September each year. Let’s talk about dementia: End the stigma is the theme for 2019
Every 3 seconds one person gets the diagnosis of Alzheimer`s disease .Yet 2 out of every 3 people globally believe there is little or no understanding of dementia in their countries.The impact of World Alzheimer’s Month is growing, but the stigmatization and misinformation that surrounds dementia remains a global problem, that requires global action.
Addressing the media persons during a press meet held at Mangaluru Press Club, Dr Olinda Pereira-the President of PAGE said, “During the World Alzheimer’s Month in September we want to create awareness by organizing various activities-to begin with we will Launch a “Memory Walk” at Kadri Park on 31 August at 7.15 A.M.and memory games; followed by Competition for elders on the songs with the word –Memory /Nenapu/Yaad in each of the organizations; Awareness lectures/film show/Panel discussion on Alzheimer`s disease /One to one education by the members of PAGE by distribution of pamphlet on 10 warning signs of dementia and also by T.V shows ,radio programmes”
“Quiz for elders and medical students on Alzheimer`s disease; Poster Competition on Alzheimer`s disease for students on the 21 September; Care Giver Forum and activities; Training of health care professionals in Memory assessment ; Purple Run in association with Forum Mall on the 15th of September; and with a grand finale of Celebration of World Alzheimer`s Day on 21 September at 9.30 AM at Town hall with action plan for the year and entertainment by elders and students. We must Remember and Serve those who cannot Remember ” added Dr Pereira.
Er Jeradin D’souza- the Founder of Mangalore Alzheimer’s Association (MAA) and Secretary of PAGE said, “The coming together of so many organizations to serve our Elders Cause is in itself a Great Victory and we shall use this Positive Energy to Make a Difference to the Quality of Life of our Elders.There will be Awareness & Prevention, Memory Test Clinics, Movies on Dementia , Involvement of all parts of Society from Students to Eminent Citizens. PAGE appeals to Everyone to be a part of This ” World Alzheimer’s Month ” and this is What Makes Mangaluru ,Truly a SMART City”
Also speaking on the occasion, Dr Prabha Adhikari- Vice President of PAGE said “PAGE-the People`s Association of Geriatric Empowerment is an organization of organizations which include Vishwas Trust, Spoorthi Charitable Trust, Mangaluru; Alzheimer`s Association; Bright H.R Solutions, AGE Mangaluru ,KMC Nava Chaithanya, Nitte University, Yenepoya University, A J Institute of Medical Sciences, Lions Club, Rotary Club, Inner Wheel, Samatha, Anantha Sowkhya of Seva Bharathi Trust; Mangalore Association of Senior Citizens; Susheg Trust; Ave Maria Palliative Care Home and Forum Mall”.
Dr Adhikari further said “Prevention of Risk Factors , Care & Cure ” is the Mantra for observing World Alzheimer’s Month. Each Organization must take up each activity and visit various institution’s to share the Awareness and Prevention Message. PAGE needs financial support from generous citizens of Mangaluru to make the World Alzheimer’s Month a successful one. If you decide to contribute, you can call me at 9880991290 or Jeradin D’Souza –9844074759 or Mohan Raj -9743202273″
Mohan Raj, the Joint secretary of PAGE solicited the support of everyone to make the World Alzheimer’s Month a memorable and successful one, and he ended saying, ” We must Remember and Serve those who cannot Remember. Let’s talk about Dementia, and End the Stigma!”
