Report of General Awareness Program at Durgabai Deshmukh Colony
Alzheimer's and Related Disorders Society of India (ARDSI) – Hyderabad Deccan organized "General public awareness program on Memory in healthy ageing and disease " on January 12,2012 Thursday, 5 PM –PM, at Plot No B-58, Durgabai Deshmukh Colony, Hyderabad.
The session, attended by 30, commenced with a warm welcome from Dr. Gulab Rani
Dr Suvarna Alladi spoke about the signs and symptoms of Dementia and she also highlighted the difference between Dementia and Normal forgetfulness. Dr. Suvarna gave an overview to the audience regarding 'what is dementia'. She spoke about the incidence of dementia and using practical examples, the problems faced by persons with dementia, progression of the disease and importance of early identification and intervention. She addressed concerns of senior citizens by explaining the differences between normal and abnormal forgetfulness, and early signs of dementia.
She also suggested that a healthy, low carbohydrate diet, low-fat and vitamin B12 rich diet and high vegetable intake promote a healthy lifestyle and reduce the risk of dementia.
Dr.Suvarna Alladi also spoke about ARDSI as a national organization, its inception and the role it has played both at the government sector and in the society at large. She highlighted ARDSI's achievements over the years and also spoke about how the Hyderabad Deccan chapter came into being. She then spoke about the local chapter's goals which are primarily to improve quality of life of persons with dementia and their caregivers, creating awareness in the society and hence making Hyderabad a dementia-friendly city. She then highlighted the activities that included conducting monthly caregiver meetings, training programs, counseling sessions, memory walk, Home visits, and running an activity centre for persons with dementia. She invited the audience to join as members and actively participate in whatever way they could with ARDSI, Hyderabad Deccan.
