Pune: Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC) in collaboration with the Departments of Geriatrics, Internal Medicine, Psychiatry, and the College of Nursing, organized a Health Awareness Program to mark World Alzheimer’s Day and the International Day for Older People.
The event, held at the AFMC campus, aimed to address critical issues related to aging, dementia, and the healthcare needs of elderly veterans.
The program was inaugurated by Lt Gen Sandeep Thareja, SM, VSM**, Director and Commandant of AFMC, who underscored the pressing healthcare challenges faced by aging veterans.
He praised the efforts of Col Vivek Aggarwal, Head of the Geriatrics Department, and Col Pradeep Behal, Professor of Geriatrics, in establishing a pivotal department that provides essential care to older adults in the Armed Forces.
Lt Gen Thareja highlighted the department’s postgraduate MD program in Geriatric Medicine, launched in February 2022, which accepts two students annually to train the next generation of specialists in elderly care.
Maj. Gen. Giriraj Singh, Dean and Deputy Commandant of AFMC, addressed the audience, stressing the impact of an increasing elderly population on society, particularly concerning cognitive decline, memory loss, and associated disabilities.
The event featured expert talks on dementia, including "Dementia – Myth and Reality" and "Prevention and Early Detection of Dementia," presented by Surg Capt PV Wilson, Professor of Neurology, and Col Pradeep Behal.
Highlighting the human side of dementia, a moving role-play titled “Duty, Honour, Country – A Forgotten Life” was performed by nursing cadets from AFMC’s College of Nursing. The play portrayed the challenges of a decorated veteran living with dementia, emphasizing the need for empathy and dedicated care for those affected.
An interactive session followed, facilitated by Brig VS Chauhan, Head of Psychiatry, along with Surg Capt Wilson and Col Aggarwal. Caregivers shared their experiences, discussing the challenges of long-term care for dementia patients and the importance of practical solutions in managing this condition.
The program attracted approximately 200 participants, including elderly individuals, caregivers, and students, providing valuable insights into memory loss and the importance of proactive measures for successful aging.
The event’s theme, “Time to act for Active Healthy Mind & prevent Memory Loss,” encapsulated the goal of inspiring ongoing efforts to promote cognitive wellness and healthy aging.