Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network—Mangalore (DV)
Mangalore, Jun 14: “There are 44.4 million people suffering from Alzheimer's disease. In another 15 years, this may touch 75 million. This is a matter of great concern. Alzheimer's is incurable and this disease will eventually destroy the brain cells. Depression also leads to Alzheimer's disease as also long term alcohol consumption,” said Ananthakrishna, non-executive chairman, Karnataka Bank.
He was speaking after inaugurating ‘World Elders’ Abuse Awareness and Prevention Day’ organized by Mangalore Senior Citizen Association in collaboration with Vishwas Trust and Mangalore Alzheimer's Association (MAA) at Bishop Jathanna Auditorium in Balmatta on Friday June 13.
“We should follow a few rules for a healthy life. Eating healthy food, avoiding intake of fats, eating vegetables, regular exercise, and a 40-minute walk is necessary. Advanced facilities make the human brain lazy. Facilities are necessary and should be used when they are essential. In the present day, the brain is dictated by facilities,” he added.
In the presidential address, Dr Olinda Pereria of Vishwas Trust said, “Abuse of elders is increasing. Serving senior citizens is the duty of the younger citizens. Earlier, there was the belief that an individual will achieve success if he has the blessings of elderly people. Concern is necessary. If we don't love and respect the elders of our own family, how can we expect unknown people to care and respect them. Hence, co-operation is necessary from everyone.”
Dr Prabha Adhikari moderated the panel discussion. Dr Ravish Thunga, Dr Shivananda Pai, Dr Mariella D' Souza, Dr Denzil Pinto, Celina Aranha, Manasa Rao Sarloos, and Jerardin D' Souza, were the panel presenters.
Ravish Tunga said, “Alcohol consumption, hypertension, and hypothyroidism will be responsible for dementia.”