Lanka Alzheimer’s Foundation announces World Alzheimer’s Month events

The Lanka Alzheimer’s Foundation (LAF) will hold a series of events this month to mark World Alzheimer’s Month. The programme included the annual Run to Remember on September 5, supported by Taj Samudra, and the 24th annual Memory Walk yesterday supported by Cinnamon Grand. Both events featured 5 km routes and aimed to raise awareness about dementia while promoting physical activity and social connection.

LAF will also mark World Alzheimer’s Day on September 21 by celebrating the 15th anniversary of its Activity, Service and Information Centre in Colombo. This year’s campaign highlights findings from the 2024 Lancet Commission, which estimates that around 45 percent of dementia cases could potentially be prevented or delayed by addressing 14 modifiable risk factors. These include physical inactivity, high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, social isolation, hearing and vision loss, high LDL cholesterol, obesity, air pollution, depression, traumatic brain injury and limited educational opportunities.

LAF President Prof. Shehan Williams said the figure highlighted the steps that could be taken throughout life to reduce dementia risk, while acknowledging that not all cases can be prevented and some risk factors cannot be changed.

Founded in 2001, LAF is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. Its Activity, Service and Information Centre has provided support to people living with dementia and their families for the past 15 years.

The Foundation provides free memory screening and cognitive assessments, Cognitive Stimulation Therapy for people with early dementia, caregiver support groups, community awareness programmes and dementia-friendly community initiatives.