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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.]





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