Mangaluru: Forgetting where one has kept the keys may be normal, but forgetting what the keys are used for could be an early warning sign of dementia, residents of Manila village in Bantwal taluk were told at an awareness programme held recently.More than 90 residents aged 40 and above attended the programme organised by department of public health, Nitte Institute of Allied Health Sciences (NIAHS), Nitte (deemed to be university), in association with Manila gram panchayat. It was held as part of World Alzheimer’s Month, whose theme is ‘The earlier you know, the more you can do: A dementia diagnosis matters’.Dr Sherley D’Almeida, public health consultant and alumna of Nitte, explained dementia, its progression and how it differs from occasional forgetfulness.“Dementia is not simply about forgetting. Recognising changes early can help families seek appropriate care and support,” she said.Residents were advised to watch for repeated questions, getting lost in familiar places, difficulty handling money or routine household tasks, and unexplained changes in mood or personality.Dr Sherley highlighted measures that could help reduce dementia risk, including controlling blood pressure and blood sugar, staying physically active, avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption, and remaining mentally and socially engaged. Memory games and real-life examples helped participants relate the discussion to their families.ASHA workers said the session would help them identify warning signs during regular family visits and guide people to seek medical assistance. Panchayat development officer Krishna Kumar K said such programmes helped rural communities recognise conditions that often go unnoticed until they become severe.The programme also included health outreach. MPH students screened around 70 residents and referred about 20 for further evaluation. Doctors from the department of public health dentistry, AB Shetty Memorial Institute of Dental Sciences, provided free dental care.The outreach was coordinated by Dr Ashith PC, a public health specialist and alumnus of Nitte’s department of public health, who helped mobilise residents, coordinated with the gram panchayat and facilitated access to the KSHEMA health card, which provides affordable treatment at Nitte-affiliated hospitals.Health experts advised those noticing persistent changes in memory, thinking or behaviour in themselves or family members to approach the nearest primary health centre for referral to specialist assessment. While dementia has no cure, early diagnosis can help families plan care, manage symptoms and address risk factors that may slow its progression.
