No event held to observe Alzheimer’s month

With the Union Government yet to develop a national dementia plan, globally observed Alzheimer’s month seems to have failed to draw attention of any organisation. No government or non-government organisation organised any event to show concern towards improvement of lifestyle of elderly persons from this region suffering from the disorder.

Most of the healthcare personnel at government hospitals and dispensaries, besides private healthcare centres showed ignorance about this year’s theme “Time to act on dementia, time to act on Alzheimer’s”. This cites an example of gross disrespect to the caution given during the World Health Assembly held in May regarding the need for development of a national dementia plan.

The Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI) has also called for a 10-year extension to WHO’s global action plan on the public health response to dementia, which was adopted in 2017.

A survey by The Tribune revealed that none of the government or non-government organisations here had bothered to undertake any activity to observe the global alzheimer’s month — September 1-30 — or Alzheimer’s Day on September 21.

However, office-bearers and activists of certain social organisations have now announced to launch a campaign to work for the welfare of elderly people suffering from the disorder after coordinating with their kin.

“As disease prevention and treatment is one of seven areas of focus, we will hold events wherein elderly persons can share information and enjoy organised support to be provided by organisers,” said Chief Advisor RID Amjad Ali.

Assistant Governor elect Surinder Pal Sofat said Ahmedgarh Rotary Club, led by president Venu Gopal Sharma and secretary Ashok Verma, has drafted a programme. Under this programme, enthusiasts would organise meetings with Alzheimer’s patients to motivate them to share their experiences.

“Till now we have not received any instructions to observe the ongoing Alzheimer’s month or day. However, we will provide every help to any organisation that decides to hold any event for the welfare of patients during September or in the following months,” said Dr Jagjit Singh, SMO Civil Hospital, Malerkotla.

Increased life expectancy has resulted in higher risk of Alzheimer’s disease among elderly persons. The number in India has already crossed 3 million. However, lifestyle changes and adequate counselling by medical experts may help the onset of the disease and improve the quality of life.