Mangalore: Association for Alzheimer's-affected takes wing

Media Release

Mangalore, Jan 10: A great need of Mangalore has been addressed by initiating an Alzheimer's Association, under the leadership of Jerardin D'Souza, founder member of Karnataka State Christian Minorities Development Council (KSCMDC).

Richard Shreder, hailing from Seattle, USA is an authority in caregiving to the Alzheimer's-affected. He has been a director at various Alzheimer's facilities for well over twenty years. He has been in the social work field for thirty-five years.

Jerardin D'Souza motivated Richard, who was just a tourist, to contribute his knowledge and experience in the field to the Alzheimer's affected of Mangalore.

As a team, they interacted with various leaders in the field for the past few months. Dr Olinda Periera, the founder principal of the premier social work institute 'Roshini Nilaya' was very supportive. Dr S N Bhat and gerontologist Dr Audrey Pinto arranged for a meeting of the volunteers at YMCA Balmatta.

Eminent psychiatrist Dr Ravish Thunga was very happy to see the initiative and directed them to visit the various facilities like 'Nympha Sadan, 'Abayashrama'.

A very productive meeting was held at 'Nympha Sadan' with full cooperation of Sr Hilda Albuquerqe. Dr Patrick D'Souza, the physician gave information on the aged. The aged silently suffer the onslaught of this dreaded disease. Richard shared his experience with the inmates and guided them to lead a mentally active life by playing chess, solving crosswords, reading newspapers and interacting with each other.

Jerardin D'Souza interacted with many sufferers and took Richard to various homes. The need for meeting families of the sufferers was badly felt. As only the caregivers can make a difference, it is of paramount importance that the families interact with each other.

This need prompted Jerardin D'Souza to make a beginning by starting an Association where the families could share each other's concerns.

This will be a blend of various professionals, social workers, psychiatrists, caregivers, physicians and the families of the affected. There are various plans to meet this great need. Awareness of Alzheimer's is very less, there is a vacuum in the caregiving methods. Richard with his experience will guide and train the caregivers.

During the district Lioness Meet held on January 5 at Urwa Church Grounds, Richard was honoured with a bouquet. An announcement was also made stating that there would be a meeting of the volunteers and social workers on January 14 at YMCA Balmatta at 5 pm.

All who can benefit from this meet are requested to attend. Richard will address the gathering. Dr Olinda Periera will chair the meeting and Dr Audrey Pinto will be the moderator. Eminent persons like Dr Rita Noronha and Dr Evelyn Benis will be there to guide.

All who can volunteer, who want to know the behavioral pattern of the affected, family members, and the general public are requested to attend and learn about this lesser known disease.

This is a deeply felt need of the families of Alzheimer's sufferers. Come join in for making a difference, at YMCA Balmatta at 5 pm on January 14.

For more information contact Jerardin D'Souza : 9844074759