The Lanka Alzheimer’s Foundation (LAF) is proud to announce its annual charity events in September, coinciding with World Alzheimer’s Month. These events, including the 5km Annual Run on September 7th at 4:30pm, from the Taj Samudra Colombo, and the Memory Walk on September 14th at 8:30am from the Cinnamon Grand Colombo, aim to raise awareness about dementia, a condition that affects over 60 million people globally; a figure that continues to grow at an alarming rate.

Dementia is a vastly under-recognized condition, despite the fact that every three seconds, someone in the world is diagnosed with it. By 2044, the number of people living with dementia is expected to double. In Sri Lanka, which has the fastest aging population in South Asia, the situation is particularly urgent. Age is the biggest risk factor for dementia, and Alzheimer's disease and Vascular dementia account for nearly 90% of cases.

Professor Shehan Williams, President, LAF, underscores the critical need for action: “Dementia is a growing crisis that we cannot afford to ignore. While age is the biggest risk factor, many people are unaware that they can reduce their risk or delay the onset of dementia through healthy lifestyle choices. Physical and mental activity, starting from a young age, can make a significant difference.”

The Lanka Alzheimer’s Foundation is dedicated to increasing awareness, providing education on dementia, and promoting the adoption of healthier lifestyles to delay the onset of this condition. The Foundation urges the public to participate in the Annual Run and Memory Walk to support individuals living with dementia and their caregivers, who often suffer in silence.

Risk factors for developing dementia include:

• Age (more common in those 65 or older)
• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• High blood sugar (diabetes)
• Being overweight or obese
• Smoking
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Physical inactivity
• Social isolation
• Depression

The Lanka Alzheimer’s Foundation invites everyone to join these events and take a stand in advocating for better care, education, and support for those affected by dementia. For more information on how to participate in the Annual Run and Memory Walk, please visit:  https://alzlanka.org