Pune: AFMC Observes World Alzheimer’s Day with Health Talks and Role-Play on Dementia

Pune, 27th September 2024: The Department of Geriatrics, Department of Internal Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, and the College of Nursing at Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC), Pune co-hosted a Health Awareness Program on September 26, 2024. The event was held in observance of World Alzheimer’s Day (September 21) and the International Day for Older People (October 1).

The program was inaugurated by Lt Gen Sandeep Thareja, Director and Commandant, AFMC. In his address, Lt Gen Thareja highlighted the healthcare challenges faced by elderly veterans and the growing need for comprehensive services to address these issues. He lauded Col Vivek Aggarwal, Professor & HoD and Col Pradeep Behal, Professor, Dept of Geriatrics, for their efforts in establishing this vital department, which plays a pivotal role in the care of older adults within the Armed Forces. The department also offers a postgraduate MD (Geriatric Medicine) program, which began in February 2022 and accepts two postgraduate students annually.

Maj. Gen. Giriraj Singh, Dean and Deputy Commandant of AFMC, stressed upon the rising older population and its significant impact on society, particularly concerning cognitive decline, memory loss, and disability.

The event featured insightful health talks on dementia, with discussions on “Dementia – Myth and Reality” and “Prevention and Early Detection of Dementia,” led by Surg Capt PV Wilson, Professor of Neurology, and Col Pradeep Behal, Professor of Geriatrics at AFMC. A moving role-play performance titled “Duty, Honour, Country – A Forgotten Life”, centred around a decorated veteran living with dementia, was presented by the nursing cadets from the College of Nursing, AFMC. The performance highlighted the need for empathetic care for people with dementia and was well-received by the audience.

 

 Additionally, Brig VS Chauhan, Professor and HoD of Psychiatry, along with Surg Capt Wilson and Col Aggarwal, facilitated an interactive session during which caregivers shared their experiences caring for elderly patients with dementia, emphasizing long-term care challenges and solutions.

The event attracted approximately 200 participants, including elderly individuals, caregivers, and students from across Pune. The audience was sensitized to the critical issue of memory loss in older adults, with the aim of promoting successful aging and dementia prevention.

The event’s tagline, “Time to act for Active Healthy Mind & prevent Memory Loss,” captured the essence of the program, aiming to inspire continued efforts towards healthy aging and cognitive wellness.