A place that does not forget those with dementia
Reaching out through music: ‘Clients’ at the Lanka Alzheimer’s Foundation. Pix by Athula Devapriya
Dementia causes progressive loss of brain power. There are many types of dementia, but the most common is caused by Alzheimer’s disease.
The most common symptom of dementia is memory loss. This means that a person with dementia may forget the names of family and friends, where they are and other vital information. Although there is no known cure for dementia, detecting the disease early helps individuals make plans for the future and have access to help.
The headquarters of the Lanka Alzheimer’s Foundation in Ketawalamulla Lane in Maradana is home to a state of the art activity centre which offers anyone with dementia a safe place to spend a fun day out every week amidst understanding and supportive individuals. This building was opened on September 21, 2011, World Alzheimer’s Day.
As the foundation celebrates the fifth anniversary of the centre this month, Founding Director and President of the Lanka Alzheimer’s Foundation Lorraine Yu spoke about the centre and how it helps those with dementia.
Although named the Lanka Alzheimer’s Foundation, Lorraine reiterates that it has been so named because Alzheimer’s is the leading cause of dementia but they offer their services for anyone with dementia. It is the belief of the foundation that they can create a dementia friendly society where people living with the disease are able to mingle with society freely. Lorraine believes that the journey towards a dementia-friendly society begins with a positive attitude towards anyone with the disease at the centre itself. “We call anyone afflicted with dementia a client instead of labelling them as patients because we want them to have dignity,” she says.
All clients at the Lanka Alzheimer’s foundation are offered their services free of charge. Anyone who feels that they are at risk of developing dementia can request a memory screening test while a hypoallergenic, water resistant bracelet will be given to anyone who is diagnosed. The main service offered is their day care facility where clients can spend a day at the facility where they will be looked after by trained volunteers.
The centre also offers caregivers a much needed day of rest. Lorraine feels that caregivers also need a break from caring for a loved one night and day because the health and wellbeing of the person looking after someone with dementia is also important.
Lorraine Yu
The foundation believes in adopting a person-centric approach where the client’s stage of progression and preferred type of therapy is identified so that the centre can cater to the needs of each individual. Music therapy is offered to everyone because the foundation firmly believes that music is a universal language that reaches out to everyone – a fact that is proved by the enthusiasm shown by clients to sing along to the music.
It is Lorraine’s goal to raise Rs. 100 million to be used in a self-sustaining fund so that the future of the foundation is secure. They have already raised Rs. 60 million.
The Lanka Alzheimer’s Foundation invites people to join them at the Alzheimer’s walk on September 24 at 8 a.m at the Cinnamon Grand Colombo. Anyone interested in contacting the foundation can call their helpline 011-2667080 and can also visit their website at http://alzlanka.org/.