With the official World Alzheimer’s Day taking place tomorrow, Monday 21st September, local non-profit organization 4get-me-not org plans to raise awareness about the disease which is fast becoming a ‘global health challenge,’ according to the World Health Organization (WHO)
Dubai, 20th September 2015
Image Credit: ngrguardiannews.com
Every 68 seconds, someone develops Alzheimer’s disease, while nearly 44 million people are currently diagnosed sufferers of Alzheimer’s or a related dementia around the world today. There is no known cure. Alzheimer’s can no longer be considered an old person’s disease, it can affect patients in their 40’s and 50’s. A Dubai based not for profit, 4get-me-not org is raising awareness on the debilitating disease and is providing much needed support to sufferers and their families. As we draw closer to annual World Alzheimer’s Day on September 21st 2015, it’s important not to forget about the people who are suffering in our community and recognise those who need support.
4get-me-not org, in collaboration with the German Neuroscience Centre and The Children’s Garden Schools (Taaleem), recently raised awareness of the important link between table tennis and brain health in the run up to Word Alzheimer’s Day. During a local event at Festival City Mall which was very well attended and served to do much to create awareness on the debilitating disease where there is little known, even today and no known cure.
Desiree Vlekken, Founder & CEO of 4get-me-not org said ‘Alzheimer’s is no longer an “old person’s disease.” Cases are on the rise in the region and The World Health Organization (WHO) is calling Alzheimer’s ‘a global concern.’
Desiree Vlekken, Founder & CEO of 4get-me-not org said ‘Alzheimer’s is no longer an “old person’s disease.” Alzheimer’s is now affecting people in their 40’s and 50’s. Cases are on the rise in the region and The World Health Organization (WHO) is calling Alzheimer’s ‘a global concern.’ We at 4get-me-not work tirelessly in support of the families of sufferers and to building awareness in the community. One of the biggest obstacles to overcome is that families themselves find it difficult to come forward, to ask for help and openly talk about their experiences. For many families it’s a deeply private matter and we share their pain. I want to set the agenda for more research and awareness of Alzheimer’s in the UAE and wider Middle East and encourage families of sufferers to reach out and connect. There is strength in numbers and I urge the media to not forget us on World Alzheimer’s Day”
About 4get-me-not Alzheimer’s
4get-me-not is a non-profit organization (and part of Deja Vu FZE) raising awareness on Alzheimer’s disease in the UAE since 2012. Having produced a series of community events and initiatives in hospitals, schools and shopping malls, 4get-me-not combined with its strong volunteer support network are actively engaged in raising awareness to an important medical issue that is on the increase in the region and is subject to social stigma. Founder, Desiree O. Vlekken won Humanitarian of the Year in 2015 by the WOW Middle East Awards. www.4get-menot.org
About German Neuroscience Center
Located in Dubai Healthcare City, German Neuroscience Center (GNC) specializes in Neurology; Psychiatry (adult, children and addiction); Psychology, Psychotherapy, Counselling; Family Therapy, Marriage Counselling; Occupational Therapy; Stress Management; Sports Psychology and Biofeedback. The clinic provides comprehensive up-to date diagnostic procedures Diagnostics and treatments are based on international guidelines that provide the latest advances in evidence-based medicine. The whole team at GNC is 100 per cent dedicated to exceed expectations. From professional reception services including effective administration and insurance management, to friendly and caring nursing staff to highly professional medical efficiency, GNC is one devoted team at the patient’s service. www.gncdubai.com
