Hope Ek A.S.H.A. COMMEMORATED WORLD ALZHEIMER’S DAY

Vijay Gaur Bureau Chief  - Delhi 

As India’s elderly population increasingly garners attention from both the government and the private sector, there is hope for improved health and well-being outcomes in the years ahead. However, age-related ailments, such as dementia, continue to pose significant challenges for seniors. According to a recent report, dementia cases are on the rise in India. Unfortunately, a lack of awareness and the absence of early detection make it difficult for families and patients to manage the condition effectively.
For over two decades, Hope Ek A.S.H.A. has been dedicated to building a dementia- friendly society, committed to improving the lives of those with dementia and their caregivers. In line with this mission, Hope Ek A.S.H.A. commemorated World Alzheimer’s Day with a large-scale event titled "Dealing Dementia with Dignity – It’s the Care that Matters" at PHD House, August Kranti Marg, New Delhi. This mass awareness initiative brought together a distinguished panel of speakers:
Dr. Sushma Chawla, Founder-President, Hope Ek ASHA
Mrs. Anuradha Thakur, IAS, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Corporate Affairs, GOI Prof. Mona Gupta, CEO, Home Management and Caregivers Sector Skill Council Dr. O.P. Sharma, Senior Consultant in Geriatric Medicine, Apollo Hospital
Dr. Navdeep Kumar, Senior Consultant in Neurology, IndoGulf Hospital
Dr. Rashi Kumar, Consultant for Outreach Initiatives, DIA
These experts provided practical knowledge and support for family caregivers, enriching the audience's understanding of dementia care. The event was attended by over 250 delegates, including esteemed doctors, caregivers, volunteers, and NGO representatives. An interactive Q&A session followed, sparking insightful discussions on dementia management.
The program also featured a moving skit performance by in-house caregivers, which brought to life the challenges and dignity of Dementia care. As part of the event, a book “FAQs on Alzheimer’s” 4th edition, sponsored by Power Finance Corporation was launched by the Chief Guest, Mrs. Anuradha Thakur, IAS, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Government of India.
The event concluded with a heartfelt thank-you note from Jasmine Sinha, COO of Hope Ek A.S.H.A., who expressed gratitude for the collective efforts that contributed to the event’s success. The day wrapped up with a High Tea, marking the end of a truly impactful event.
     
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
 Free Memory Screening: Free memory screening was conducted by Dr. Priya Jha for individuals above 60 years, this screening offered early detection and valuable insights into dementia-related concerns.
CHIEF GUEST OF THE EVENT
Mrs. Anuradha Thakur, IAS, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Corporate Affairs, GOI
EXPERT TALKS
The event featured insightful discussions on dementia, caregiving, and best practices for supporting individuals with dementia.
Dr. Sushma Chawla, Founder President, Hope Ek A.S.H.A. Topic: “Role of Hope Ek A.S.H.A. in Primary Care”
Dr. Mona Gupta, CEO of Home Management and Care Givers Sector Skill Council
Topic: “Different Stages of Elderly Care”
To view the speech of Dr. Mona Gupta, CEO of Home Management and Care Givers Sector Skill Council,

click on https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WJRjJdIVqLpoid0KE-jcW6HbJUxA_0CG

Dr. O.P. Sharma, Sr. Consultant, Geriatric Medicine, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals Topic: “Genetics & Lifestyle: Understanding Dementia Risks”
Dr. Navdeep Kumar, Senior Consultant, Neurology, Indo Gulf Hospital Topic: “Identifying Dementia – Importance of Early Diagnosis”
Dr. Shilpa Gupta, Therapist and EFT Master Trainer Topic: “Cultivating a Healthy Mind”
Dr. Rashi Kumar, Consultant - Outreach Initiatives, DIA Topic: “Support Systems for Persons with Dementia”
These talks provided essential insights and guidance to family caregivers, equipping them with the tools and knowledge to better support their loved ones living with dementia.
  Dr. Sushma Chawla, Dr. Mona Gupta, Dr. O. P. Sharma, Dr. Navdeep Kumar,
Dr. Shilpa Gupta, Dr. Rashi Kumar, Mrs. Anuradha Thakur, IAS Ms. Jasmine Sinha
Graduation Ceremony - First Batch of Trained Dementia Caregivers: The event proudly celebrated the graduation of the first cohort of trained dementia caregivers, marking a pivotal achievement in the advancement of specialized dementia care and enhancing the care economy in India. Running from August 12 to September 29, 2024, the program addressed crucial topics, including dementia monitoring, caregiver etiquette and ethics, self-care strategies, the functions of daycare and residential care facilities, and engaging activities for cognitive retraining.We are excited to report the program's success, with participants now fully prepared to deliver compassionate, patient-centered care to individuals living with dementia. This initiative not only promotes dignified support for those affected by dementia but also strengthens India’s healthcare system by equipping skilled professionals to meet the rising demand for specialized care.
     1st batch of caregivers training programme in Dementia

Book Launch : The fourth edition of "Frequently Asked Questions on Alzheimer's Disease: 100 FAQs" has been officially launched, offering families and caregivers valuable guidance and solutions to commonly encountered challenges.
FAQs on Alzheimer’s booklet launched
Skit by Caregivers : A poignant skit performed by caregivers illustrated the emotional and practical challenges that families face while caring for loved ones with dementia, fostering a deeper understanding and empathy for their experiences. This impactful performance was presented by our dedicated in-house team of caregivers and nurses at ASHA, who work closely with individuals living with dementia. Skit performance by the Caregivers working at ASHA project
Performance by Dementia Patients of Stage I and Stage II : Persons with Dementia gave a heartfelt musical performance, demonstrating their courage and spirit, touching the hearts of every individual there at the event.
This demonstrated the inclusivity that ASHA fosters for persons with dementia.
    
Encouragement Speech by the Chief Guest Mrs. Anuradha Thakur, IAS, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Govt. of India.
To view the speech of Chief Guest, Mrs. Anuradha Thakur, IAS, Additional Secretary,

click on https://drive.google.com/file/d/18COJYzKsksVVoKhxbUGnOqrseRzV4vVi
Vote of Thanks by Ms. Jasmine Sinha Chief Operation Officer, ASHA – Affectionate Secured Home for Alzheimer’s
Creative Works Exhibition : An inspiring display of creative works by dementia patients showcased their resilience and abilities, highlighting the therapeutic impact of art.