Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of Dementia become increasingly prevalent with age. In Sri Lanka, which is experiencing one of the fastest-growing aging populations in the region, it is projected that by 2050 nearly half a million people will be living with dementia.
In recognition of World Alzheimer’s Month in September and World Alzheimer’s Day on September 21st, the Lanka Alzheimer’s Foundation (LAF), a member of Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI), is organizing a series of impactful events.
Marking the start of the month-long awareness campaign, Colombo’s iconic Lotus Tower will be illuminated in red on September 1, to draw public attention regarding Alzheimer’s disease which is a specific type of Dementia characterized by progressive memory loss and cognitive decline.
Promoting both physical and mental exercise which are crucial for delaying or preventing Dementia, LAF’s is organizing “Run to Remember” – a 5 km run on 7th September at 4:30 p.m. from the Taj Samudra Hotel and “Memory Walk 2024” will be held on September 14th, starting at 7:30 a.m. from the Cinnamon Grand Hotel.
LAF’s vital services, largely powered by volunteers and supported by generous donations, include raising awareness, providing education on risk reduction, memory screening and assessment, running an activity center, supporting caregiver groups, operating a helpline, offering identification bracelets, befriending, and counselling. These initiatives aim to assist individuals living with dementia and their caregivers.
The activities for Alzheimer’s month are made possible by the generosity of several sponsors including the Gold sponsor ADZ Insurance Brokers (Private) Limited, Lotus Tower, Wijaya Newspapers and Hi online, Hotel Taj Samudra and Cinnamon Grand Colombo, the venue hosts.
This year, the College of Community Physicians Sri Lanka (CCPSL) will be joining LAF in its activities, recognizing the importance of this major non-communicable disease (NCD). Often neglected and under-recognized, dementia threatens the health of all older adults and will no doubt contribute to the public health burden in Sri Lanka.
The time to act on Dementia and Alzheimer’s is now. By harnessing the power of knowledge, we can collectively work to recognize the warning signs of Dementia, ensure early diagnosis, and offer essential support post-diagnosis. Alzheimer’s disease is not a normal part of aging; it is a condition with no current cure but with measures available to reduce the risk and slow its progression. Unite with LAF to make a meaningful impact and improve the lives of those affected by dementia.
For more information, visit the LAF website at https://alzlanka.org or call 011-2667080/82