Mangaluru: “Apart from providing shelter and financial stability to the elderly, there is a need to show concern and compassion towards them,” informed Dakshina Kannada district Deputy Commissioner Sindhu B Rupesh here on Saturday, September 21.

She was addressing the gathering at a programme organised on the occasion of ‘World Alzheimer’s Day’ by People’s Association For Geriatric Empowerment (PAGE) at the Town Hall. “Awareness should be given to the care-takers who look after the elderly, especially those suffer from Alzheimer’s. The people who reside in urban areas are aware about the disease and how to handle such patients, however, people living in rural areas lack this knowledge. Hence, awareness should be given to the rural people as well.”

Lauding the efforts of PAGE, which has been focusing on empowering the senior citizens and people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, Sindhu said that the organisation has been doing a wonderful job in creating awareness among the people about the disease. “The district administration is ready to extend its help towards PAGE as it is doing a noble task,” she added.

PAGE secretary Jeraldin D’Souza spoke about the need for providing health benefits to Alzheimer’s patients as, he claimed, health insurance does not cover the disease. “Just as the Kerala government has taken care of Alzheimer’s patients through health schemes, the Karnataka government should also do the same,” he said. A resolution in this regard was then handed over to the DC on the occasion.

PAGE vice president Dr Prabha Adhikari M R, in her introductory speech, said, “Alzheimer’s is a disease which is caused by damage to the brain cells. This usually occurs after the age of 60 years. As there is no cure for Alzheimer’s, those who are looking after the patients must avoid arguing, speaking loudly or expressing anger or frustration while communicating with them.”

Some caregivers of Alzheimer’s patients also spoke on the occasion and informed that one should treat such patients like small children, saying that it was the only way to keep them healthy and peaceful.

PAGE president Dr Olinda Pereira, joint secretary Mohan Raj and others were present.