Let’s help people suffering with Alzhemier’s disease

September is marked globally as the World Alzheimer’s Month and September 1 as the World Alzheimer’s Day. The Lanka Alzheimer’s Foundation (LAF), a member of the Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI), is focused on post-diagnosis support for those living

with Alzheimer’s and other related dementias and to enhance the wellbeing of their families.

The risk of Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia increases with age. As Sri Lanka has one of the fastest ageing populations in the region it is estimated that by 2050, there will be almost half a million people living with dementia in Sri Lanka.

Evidence is also emerging that the COVID-19 may increase the risk of developing dementia later in life.

The LAF is once again organising a walk from September 1 to 21 to encourage physical and mental exercise, one of the key factors in helping delaying or preventing Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia, while educating participants about the disease.

Details are available on their website https://alzlanka.org/together-we-can-do-so-much/.

The services provided by the LAF, which is run mainly by volunteers with donations from well-wishers include raising awareness; providing education on risk reduction; memory screening

and assessment; an activity centre; caregiver support groups; a help line; identification bracelets; befriending and counselling and much more to help persons living with dementia and their caregivers.

“Know Dementia, Know Alzheimer’s” – armed with the power of knowledge, all of us together with the LAF can do so much to spot the warning signs of dementia, ensure timely diagnosis, and provide post-diagnosis support for the people living with dementia. Contrary to common belief that Alzheimers is not a normal part of ageing. It is a disease, for which there is no cure but there are measures to reduce chances of developing dementia and slowing the onset or progression of the disease.