Mangaluru: Experts at the World Alzheimer’s Day programme on Tuesday stressed the need to make the city dementia-friendly through early diagnosis, caregiver support and greater public awareness about memory loss.The programme, organised by the People’s Association for Geriatric Empowerment (PAGE), in association with MRPL, Lions International, Rotary International District 3181 and Rohan Corporation, was held at Kudmul Ranga Rao Town Hall.District health officer Dr HR Thimmaiah said society must address the neglect of senior citizens and urged families and educational institutions to instil a sense of responsibility towards elders among the younger generation. “Parents dedicate their entire lives and resources to shaping their children’s future, yet it is deeply disheartening to see many abandoned in their twilight years. Our educational system must integrate human values and respect for elders, so that children learn to cherish their parents, rather than sending them to care facilities,” he said.Director of Father Muller Charitable Institutions, Fr Faustine Lucas Lobo, said sympathy alone was not enough for people living with dementia, and called for proactive empathy from society. “We must all remain on the same page, children, youth and elders, and overcome the growing individualistic mindset that treats ageing parents as burdens,” he said.Yenepoya (Deemed to be University) pro-chancellor Dr M Vijayakumar stressed the importance of timely clinical intervention and rehabilitation. He said memory loss should not be dismissed as a normal part of ageing, but recognised as a progressive medical condition requiring timely screening.He called for greater collaboration between academic institutions and the healthcare sector to train skilled geriatric caregivers and help patients retain their functional independence and dignity.The programme highlighted the need to evaluate subtle memory lapses and undergo regular cognitive health check-ups. Interactive sessions with caregivers, cultural performances and awareness skits by students and senior citizens were also held.A senior citizen utility directory containing emergency contacts and details of essential service providers across Dakshina Kannada was unveiled.PAGE trustees Dr CV Raghuveer, Dr Prabha Adhikari MR, Jerardin D’Souza and Mohan Raj were present.
