September 21st 2023.
PANAJI: Every year, World Alzheimer's Day is an opportunity for people from around the world to come together to raise awareness, challenge the stigma, and pledge their support to the cause. This year's theme 'Never too early never too late' focuses on reducing the risk factors for dementia.
Dr Amit Dias, Assistant Professor in the Department of Preventive and Social Medicine at the Goa Medical College, was part of a landmark paper on Dementia Risk Reduction published in the Lancet. The paper highlighted 12 risk factors that can help prevent dementia.
Dr Dias emphasised the need to take proactive steps for managing Alzheimer's. He explained, “There are factors that we need to increase and some factors that we need to decrease, such as increasing physical activity, improving cognitive stimulation, and increasing social contact. Physical activity doesn't have to be too vigorous – you don't need to run a marathon. At least 20-30 minutes of exercise per day for at least five days a week can help. People often think that since this is a condition that affects the elderly, we can work on a prevention strategy later in life, but that’s where we go wrong. The theme this year highlights the fact that it is never too early to start risk reduction strategies. It's much more effective if we initiate risk reduction early. At the same time, it is not too late for those who could not start earlier.”
Dr Dias and his team have also established the 'Memory Cafe' in Goa. This is a platform for seniors to come together and engage in various cognitive stimulation exercises, while having fun. The service is available free of charge and run by volunteers.
In addition, Dr Dias has started the 'Mind It Initiative' for schools in Goa. Through this programme, schoolchildren are trained on how to lead a brain-healthy lifestyle and are sensitized to the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. He also suggested that dementia services should be integrated with the health and wellness centres across the country.
On World Alzheimer's Day, the Atal Setu over the River Mandovi will be lit up in Purple as a reminder to people to remember those who cannot remember. People are encouraged to wear purple and express their support for the cause.
Dr Dias concluded, “We have the evidence, but we need to put this into practice. With the efforts of policy makers, medical professionals, social workers, nurses, occupational therapists, and the community, awareness is growing. But a lot more needs to be done to bridge the gap in awareness and treatment for Alzheimer’s disease. Let's all join the campaign - remember, it's never too early and never too late.”
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