ARDSI, Mumbai Chapter and ALKEM Makes Mumbaikars ‘Walk to Remember’ for ‘Those who cannot Remember’

• Currently 41 lakh Indians have been diagnosed with Dementia

• 90% of dementia cases remain undiagnosed

• Doctors say cases of dementia & Alzheimer’s is on a rapid rise in the urban areas

To spread awareness, Alzheimer’s & Related Disorders Society of India (ARDSI), Mumbai Chapter organized a very successful “Awarathon Mumbai 2017” on 3^rd December at Worli Sea face. The Awarathon had huge participation of people that included citizens from all strata of society, medical practitioners, caregiver, corporate people, NGO, volunteers.

Flagging off the Awarathon (from left) Dr. Deepak Sawant, Health Minister, Government of Maharashtra (holding the flag); Titiksha Tawde (Marathi Actress); Ms. Vidya Shenoy, ARDSI; Ms. Alka Kerkar, Dy Mayor; Dr. Rao, ARDSI (holding flag at right)

Currently, more than 41 lakh Indians suffer from dementia, the most common being Alzheimer’s Disease, which causes gradual decrease in ability to remember and think clearly eventually affecting a person's daily functioning. This Awarathon was unique event to create more public awareness that was held at Worli Sea Face covering a 3-km walk.

Over 800 people from different walks of life participated in the Awarathon to spread awareness about Alzheimer’s & Dementia

Speaking on this occasion Hon. Secretary of the ARDSI Mumbai Chapter said, “This overwhelming response of participants to our Awarathon just shows that we are a sensitive society concerned about elders and senior citizens. ARDSI Mumbai Chapter, is striving to make our city of Mumbai a ‘dementia-friendly city’, with more awareness. We have received encouragement from Corporates and philanthropists to be a part of it. This event was possible only with the encouragement and support of Alkem Laboratories Limited, Police and Traffic Departments, BMC and of course all walkers present.”

This event was supported by Alkem Laboratories Ltd, which runs a large social media community ‘Dementia & Alzheimer’s Community of India’ and has launched an awareness video that is currently catching a lot of eyeballs which can be seen at https://www.facebook.com/donappcommunity/videos/1891677637828055/.

An official of Alkem Laboratories Ltd. said,“We are happy to partner with ARDSI, Mumbai Chapter and supporting their initiatives for this social cause as there is a real need to spread awareness and increase screening of Dementia. Due to social stigma, lack of awareness and that people often confuse forgetfulness associated as part of normal aging. Our social media initiative is a step ahead to spread awareness so that people can recognise symptoms early and avail of services of specialised Dementia DayCare Centre to help families lessen the onus of caring in their daily lives. Their counselling and support sessions help tremendously.”