P. A. G. E. to Observe ‘World Alzheimer’s Month’- Launch on 1 Sept with Valedictory on 21 Sept

People`s Association of Geriatric Empowerment (P. A. G. E.) to Observe ‘World Alzheimer’s Month’- Launch on 1 September with Valedictory on 21 September

Mangaluru: September 21st every year is ‘World Alzheimer’s Day’ around the world. This is an international campaign aimed at raising awareness and challenge the common stigma that surrounds Alzheimer related dementia. Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease that impairs memory and other mental functions. It is the most common form of dementia that generalizes memory loss and loss of other essential cognitive abilities that are serious enough to interfere with an individual’s daily life.

From previous studies, an average of 2 out of 3 people globally have little or no understanding of Alzheimer’s disease and associated dementia in their countries. Since its inception, the impact of ‘World Alzheimer’s Month’ is increasing. However, the stigmatization and lack of information surrounding dementia remains to be a global problem that calls for global action. Most people often think that this disease is a normal part of aging. Though this may not be true, a greatest risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease is increasing age. This is evident by the majority of Alzheimer’s patients being 65 years or older. This doesn’t completely classify the disease as an elderly disease. This is because there are approximately 200,000 Americans under 65 suffering from disease.

While there is no cure for the conditions and promising medications are getting approval for use .There are many non drugs methods to manage behavioural issues associated with the disease .As on 2017. 50 million people are currently suffering from Alzheimer`s disease .The number is likely to triple by 2050. Let’s Talk about DEMENTIA is the theme for the year 2020 COVID-19 and dementia.

The COVID-19 outbreak has highlighted the lack of preparedness of health systems globally to provide routine services and support to people living with chronic conditions such as dementia; During lockdown and restrictions, it’s essential that older people, especially those living with dementia, are not socially excluded.; During the COVID-19 pandemic, it is imperative that people keep talking about dementia, seeking out information, advice and support; Do not wait until after lockdown or restrictions end to speak to your doctor about experiencing symptoms of dementia. (There are many online services available); During COVID-19 talk to your national Alzheimer’s or dementia association, use their helplines, websites, social media and online events to stay up to date with advice and information about supports

Addressing the media persons during a press meet held at Mangaluru Press Club, Er Jerardin D’souza- secretary of PAGE said, ” People`s Association of Geriatric Empowerment with its partners A J Institute of Medical Sciences ,Mangalore Alzheimer`s Association, Spoorthi Charitable Trust,KMC Nava Chaitanya,Susheg trust , Yenepoya University, Nitte University, KMC Bejai Yoga friends, Upasana, AGE Mangaluru, MRPL, MCF, Lions Club ,Rotary Inner wheel club , Samatha, MASCA will observe the Event in September month with: Launch on 1 Sept at 10.30 AM; Daily online educative programmes at 10.30 AM for 20 minutes; Film music competition; Story Telling competition; Cooking competition; Memory games; Best brain competition; Senior Fitness competition; and Grand finale on 21st September at Kadri Park, Mangaluru with distribution of prizes at 8 A.M. with online entertainment programme”.

Also speaking during the press meet, Mohanraj-the treasurer of PAGE said, “For details please give names and phone numbers to Bright HR solutions/Mohanraj; Students can join the programme online for the observation of the day at Kadri Park online. All the programmes will be held through Google meet ID of the department of geriatric Medicine”.

Meeting ID-http://meet.google.com./ovv-utbk-cbi

Helpline for patients /caregivers with dementia :

Jeradin D’Souza-9844074759; Mohanraj- 9743202273

For tele-medicine at Yenepoya University –free this month –free memory tests and fitness tests –Book your appointment with +919686985055

For home care for dementia patients free this month one visit within city limits sponsored by PAGE-+919449593440

LET’S TALK ABOUT DEMENTIA :

September 2020 will mark the ninth World Alzheimer’s Month™, an international campaign to raise awareness of dementia and challenge stigma. This year’s campaign promotes the important messages that:

During the COVID-19 pandemic, it is more vital than ever that people continue to talk about dementia; Talking about dementia helps tackle the stigma, normalises language and encourages people to find our more information, advice and seek help; People living with dementia and their carers have an equal right to respect and inclusion, and to diagnosis, quality care and treatment; Governments can reduce the human and economic impact of dementia by developing responses to the World Health Organization (WHO) Global action plan on the public health response to dementia by 2025.

If you are living with dementia:

Remember that you don’t have to be alone. It is possible to live more positively with dementia than is often the public perception, by seeking support from your family and friends, health and social workers, from the Alzheimer association in your country and by joining Dementia Alliance International (DAI).

If you are worried about developing dementia:

Speak to your doctor about any concerns. Alzheimer associations in many countries provide support with seeking a diagnosis and living with dementia, as well as information on risk reduction and help to find support groups.

If you are a carer:

Caring for someone with dementia can be challenging. It is also important to take care of your own physical and mental health needs as this will make a big difference to the well being of yourself and the person you are caring for. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or to join the Alzheimer association in your country to advocate for change or subscribe to DAI to receive their resources, blogs, newsletters and attend their monthly educational Webinars. As a society: The stigma that surrounds dementia remains a global problem. Alzheimer associations and self-advocacy organizations encourage awareness of the social and personal impact of dementia. Dementia is not a normal part of ageing.

Understanding the experiences of those affected remains important to support inclusion, empowerment and respect. Greater awareness, including recognising the symptoms of dementia, is crucial to encourage more people to seek diagnosis and receive support. As a government: Developing a national dementia plan will help your country to deal with the growing impact of dementia. In 2017, the World Health Organization adopted a global plan that urges countries to develop their own national responses. Implementing a plan helps to increase national awareness and education about dementia and can improve access to diagnosis, treatment, care and earlier detection of dementia can also help lower the financial impact of dementia on the healthcare system. World Month Alzheimer’s September Alzheimer’s Disease International.

What is dementia?

Dementia is a collective name for progressive brain syndromes that cause deterioration over time of a variety of different brain functions such as memory, thinking, recognition and language, planning and personality. Alzheimer’s disease accounts for 50-60% of cases of dementia. Other types of dementia include vascular dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies and fronto-temporal dementia. Most kinds of dementia have similar symptoms including: ● Loss of memory ● Problems with thinking, planning and language ● Failure to recognise people or objects ● Personality and mood changes By 2050, the number of people living with dementia around the world will have almost trebled to 152 million, making the disease one of the most significant health and social crises of the 21st century.