World Alzheimer’s Day is observed every year on September 21st by the WHO to spread awareness about the condition, prevent death and save lives. Many individuals still mistakenly think that dementia comes with old age. This alone demonstrates how crucial public awareness initiatives such as World Alzheimer’s Month, are for altering attitudes and expanding the public’s current understanding about dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
In keeping with this goal, students of the Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences (BBMS), Doctor of Medicine (MD) and Higher Diploma in Preclinical Sciences (HDPCS) programs organized an awareness campaign for the GMU community which included medical professionals, students, non-medical staff and employees at Thumbay Medicity on October 6, 2022. The tagline of this event was “What the mind cannot remember, the heart never forgets” with the purple theme.
The audience’s attention was drawn to the pathophysiology of Alzheimer’s disease and how beta-amyloid is the primary cause of the condition. To support these arguments, students utilized a variety of learning materials including brain scans. The history of World Alzheimer’s Day, as well as current research, therapies, genetics, and the epidemiology of Alzheimer’s, were all topics for discussion with students. Students offered a ton of entertaining games with intriguing prizes. The deterioration of olfactory senses in Alzheimer’s disease was discussed and explained. The audience were urged to identify different odours provided to them as a mini-activity.
“Overall, learning together with students from different disciplines from various GMU programs was a positive experience and was aligned with our university philosophy of “Learning Together For Working Together”, said Dr. Preetha Shetty, PhD, Associate Professor of Cytogenetics and Molecular Biology and Program Director of the Institute of Biomedical Sciences (IBMS), UK accredited Bachelor of Biomedical Science (BBMS) Program who supervised the students.
The learning and sharing about Alzheimer’s and its epidemiology in the UAE took place in an interactive setting. Forget-me-not is one such UAE organization that offers therapeutic services and facilities to Alzheimer’s sufferers. It was extremely fulfilling to note that the audience wanted to learn more about the disease. Presenters had the opportunity to inform both their teachers, peers and their immediate community of the crucial information about this condition with carries significant morbidity.
We sincerely thank our Thumbay University Hospital physicians Dr. Adnan, Psychiatrist, Dr. Amit Chaturvedi & Dr. Mujeeb, Orthopedicians and Dr. Mallya, General Physician for their support provided to the students in organizing this event.
“I congratulate all the students who organized this event. The vibrant posters artistically presented information, while the games promoted a sense of community. Community Engagement is one of core values of GMU which are instilled to students early, to make them more socially accountable”, said Prof. Manda Venkatramana, Dean, College of Medicine.