Awareness trek highlights need for early detection of Alzheimer’s

The need for greater public awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and the importance of early detection were highlighted at an awareness trekking programme organised at the foothills of Chamundi Hills here on Friday.

The programme, titled ‘Namma Nadige Arogyadadege’ (Our Walk Towards Health), was organised by the Alzheimer’s and Related Disorders Society of India (ARDSI), Mysuru Chapter, in association with Sarada Vilas College of Pharmacy and Viveka Hospital, as part of the observance of World Alzheimer’s Month.

Participating in the programme, MLC K. Vivekananda said many people were unaware of the early symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease and other memory-related disorders and often considered memory loss a normal part of ageing. This could lead to delayed diagnosis and medical intervention, he said.

He stressed the need for sustained public awareness, particularly as treatment options for Alzheimer’s disease remained limited.

Dr. Hanumanthachar Joshi, President of ARDSI Mysuru Chapter, said awareness was crucial for the effective management of Alzheimer’s. Though some medicines were available, their benefits were limited and they could also have side effects.

“Awareness about symptoms, early identification, management and care of persons living with Alzheimer’s is essential,” he said.

He said walkathons, trekking programmes, awareness campaigns and health screening camps could help educate people about Alzheimer’s disease and the challenges faced by patients and their families.

As part of the programme, health screening and special memory screening tests were conducted for citizens at the top of Chamundi Hills to help identify possible memory-related concerns at an early stage.

Sameer Kashyap, Secretary, Rotary Mysore; R. Dinesh, Honorary Secretary, Sarada Vilas Educational Institutions; Chaitra Arun, President, Inner Wheel Club, Mysore; Arun Kumar, Director, Vivek Chaithanya Foundation, representatives of Viveka Hospital, faculty members, students and members of the public participated.