########################################################################## # Don't just read the news...discuss it. Learn more about Goa via Goanet # # Goanet was setup in 1994 and has spent the last decade building a # # lasting Goan non-profit, volunteer-driven network in cyberspace. # # Visit the archives http://www.goanet.org/pipermail/goanet/ # # To join, write to [EMAIL PROTECTED] and ask to join Goanet. # ########################################################################## http://www.goanet.org/wiki/index.php/We_can_all_make_a_difference_to_dementia_--_Dr_Amit_Dias
>From GoanetWiki [By Dr. Amit Dias] On September 21, people across the globe will celebrate World Alzheimer’s Day with events like sponsored walks and seminars. With the number of people living with dementia set to double in the next twenty years, thousands of individuals will come together to show its human cost and to demonstrate that human endeavour can triumph over this challenging condition. The Dementia Society of Goa has declared the month of September as the Alzheimer’s Month and is engaged in activities to encourage all individuals to make a difference to the quality of life of people with dementia. Estimates suggest that 18 million people are living with dementia globally. By 2025, this figure is set to almost double to 34 million. India has over 2.5 million people with dementia, with over 3000 in Goa itself. The coming dementia epidemic will place huge demands on health and social structures in our country and the world over. Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI) and the Dementia Society of Goa has urged governments to make policy provisions now for the dementia epidemic we face in the future. Alzheimer associations, carers and professionals are already meeting the challenges of dementia. But the net is wider than this; it knows no boundaries. Co-ordinated by ADI, this year’s [2005[ World Alzheimer’s Day ‘We Can Make a Difference’ campaign encourages people across society to speak openly about their experiences of dementia and embrace their role in improving the lives of those who live with it. We request everyone to write to the Dementia Society of Goa on how you can make a difference to people with dementia. All the comments will be published on the website of the Dementia Society of Goa (http://www.dementiagoa.org). Dr. C. J. Vas, President of The Dementia Society of Goa says, "Although there is no cure for most of the dementias, there is so much that can be done to enhance quality of life for people affected”. The Society is calling on governments to provide the financial and social support to people with dementia and their carers. The Dementia Society has been creating awareness among the Goan community about this disabling condition.They have developed a home-based intervention programme for people with dementia with the support of the World Health Organisation. The intervention not only helped to reduce the burden of looking after a person with dementia, but also improved the quality of life and prevented early deaths in these individuals. The Society is also in the process of fundraising to establish the first Alzheimer’s home in the State. Goa Medical College Students Council: Making a Difference This month, the Goa Medical College student’s council, in association with the Dementia Society of Goa organized several awareness programmes for people attending the OPDs in the Neurology, Neurosurgery and Medicine Departments of Goa Medical College. Speaking at this occasion, Swapnil said that as we grow old, it is natural to forget, but if this forgetfulness starts affecting the activities of daily living, it could be a sign of dementia. Nandini who also spoke at the programme stated that the family members could take simple measures at home to improve the quality of care for people with dementia. Interns under the department of Preventive and Social Medicine will also be addressing several gatherings to help people understand dementia during this month. If you think you are making or can make a difference to the lives of people with dementia do send your ideas to Dr. Amit Dias, Secretary, The Dementia Society of Goa, H. No. M1, Housing Board Colony, Alto Porvorim, Bardez, Goa. Or e-mail Dr Amit Dias (mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]) or contact Mrs. Jean D’Souza at 2453552. [The writer of this article is Lecturer, Dept. of Preventive and Social Medicine, Goa Medical College. Secretary, The Dementia Society of Goa, Jt. Secretary, Alzheimer’s and Related Disorders Society of India.]
