World Alzheimer’s Day, September 21st of each year, is a day on which Alzheimer’s organizations around the world concentrate their efforts on raising awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Alzheimer's disease is the most common type of dementia. It is substantially increased among people aged 65 years or more, with a progressive decline in memory, thinking, language and learning capacity. It is estimated that every 3 seconds, someone in the world develops dementia. The number of people living with dementia around the world is expected to almost double every 20 years, reaching 131.5 million people by 2050.

The programme was graced by active participation of security personnel from Terrier group. Ms. Rochelle Jane D’sa, Lecturer, Dept. of Psychiatric Nursing introduced the day’s theme and enlightened the gathering on identification, treatment and prevention of Alzheimer’s disease. She has emphasized that awareness about this degenerative and irreversible disorder is very important. In her speech, she highlighted on Alzheimer’s disease, which is often called a family disease because the chronic stress of watching a loved one’s deterioration of cognitive function affects everyone. She emphasized that family, society and nation have important role in taking care of the loved ones who are living with dementia blessed the occasion with her presence.

Lt. Col. Nagesh, Manager, Terrier training centre Kamath Circle Manipal, while speaking on this occasion stated that it is important that people should be made aware of the early symptoms of the Alzheimer’s disease and remedial measures that can be taken in time. He appreciated the effort taken by Dr. Tessy Treesa Jose, Professor and Head, Department of Psychiatric Nursing, MCON Manipal for the smooth conduct of the programme. Students enacted a role play on signs and symptoms and early identification of Alzheimer’s disease, which was well appreciated by the audience. At the end, many of the audience clarified their doubts and concerns with regard to dementia and its prevention and care with the resource persons. The programme was attended by 200 security personnel.
Mr. Renjulal Yesodharan, Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatric nursing preceded the program. Ms. Vinslet Alisha Ferrao, 3rd Year BSc Nursing student was the master of ceremony.