Join the ‘Walk and Run’ Campaign to Combat Alzheimer’s During World Alzheimer’s Month.

As the global population ages, the prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia is rising sharply. Sri Lanka, with one of the fastest-growing aging demographics in the region, faces a significant challenge: by 2050, nearly half a million Sri Lankans are expected to be living with dementia.

In response to this growing concern, the Lanka Alzheimer’s Foundation (LAF), a key member of Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI), is spearheading a series of impactful events throughout September in honour of World Alzheimer’s Month and World Alzheimer’s Day on September 21st.

The campaign will kick off with a dramatic visual statement; Colombo’s iconic Lotus Tower will be bathed in red light on September 1st, serving as a beacon to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s disease, a specific type of dementia marked by progressive memory loss and cognitive decline.

The foundation's efforts to spotlight the importance of both physical and mental exercise as a means to delay or prevent dementia will be highlighted through two significant events. The “Run to Remember,” a 5 km race, is scheduled for September 7th at 4:30 p.m., beginning at the Taj Samudra Hotel. Following this, the “Memory Walk 2024” will take place on September 14th, starting at 7:30 a.m. from the Cinnamon Grand Hotel. These events aim to engage the community in the fight against dementia while promoting healthier lifestyles.

The LAF’s crucial services, largely powered by a dedicated network of volunteers and bolstered by generous donations, include a wide array of support measures. These range from raising awareness and offering education on risk reduction, to providing memory screening and assessment, running an activity centre, supporting caregiver groups, operating a helpline, and offering essential services such as identification bracelets, befriending, and counselling. These initiatives are designed to aid individuals living with dementia and their caregivers, enhancing their quality of life.

The month-long activities are made possible through the support of numerous sponsors. Gold sponsor ADZ Insurance Brokers (Private) Limited, alongside the Lotus Tower, Wijeya Newspapers Limited, Hotel Taj Samudra, and Cinnamon Grand Colombo, have all played vital roles in supporting this campaign. This year, the College of Community Physicians Sri Lanka (CCPSL) will also join LAF in this important effort, underscoring the significance of addressing dementia, a major non-communicable disease often overlooked.

The time to address dementia and Alzheimer’s is now. By leveraging the power of awareness, we can collectively recognize the warning signs, ensure early diagnosis, and provide necessary support post-diagnosis. While Alzheimer’s disease remains incurable, proactive measures can reduce risk and slow progression.

For further details and to get involved, visit the Lanka Alzheimer’s Foundation’s website at: https://alzlanka.org or call: 011-2667080 / 82. Join the movement to make a meaningful impact and improve the lives of those affected by dementia.