For others around the world this day might be a reminder of how far their countries and health systems have to go in recognising, diagnosing, supporting and caring for the millions of AD sufferers. There is one common link between the developed and developing nations of our world ...Alzheimer’s Disease, or dementia, is a growing and increasingly urgent problem which we all face - whether you live in Kansas City, Kisozi or Kottayam.

The theme for WAD 2009 is ‘Diagnosing Dementia- Recognising it Sooner‘ with the aim of encouraging medical professionals to recognise the signs of the disease in order for people to receive the treatment they need. In India, efforts to educate the populace and the medical profession about dementia continues in earnest. By 2015 it is estimated that up to 23 million Indians will be suffering from dementia. That is the equivalent of the entire population of Australia.

In Vijayapuram Local Representative Joseph and the community-based organisation Human Resource Education and Socio Economic Development Centre (HRESEDC) have been able to start a pilot home-based medical care programme. The programme aims to bring medical care to the homes of poor, elderly and bed-ridden AD sufferers, and those who are at the palliative stage of their lives. It’s a programme that also aims to help and support the carers, educating them about the different stages of Alzheimer’s Disease and how to care for their relatives with dignity and compassion. Currently the programme has a volunteer doctor who visits up to 9 patients on alternate Saturdays. It’s a good start.

There is no cure for AD as yet, but there are so many ways to make the lives of AD sufferers happy and comfortable and dignified. We can also support their carers by recognising the burden of caring for someone who forgets, who can be aggressive, or at times is depressed or uninhibited.
If you would like to find out more about AD in Vijayapuram or help us further develop the Home Based Medical Care programme then please visit us at http://www.nabuur.com/en/village/vijayapuram - your input would be greatly appreciated.