Dementia awareness rally draws over 500 participants in Chennai

Chennai witnessed a significant show of support for dementia awareness on Saturday, with over 500 people taking part in a rally organised by the Alzheimer's and Related Disorders Society of India (ARDSI) and the Tamil Nadu government's health department.

The event, which started early in the morning from the iconic Marina Beach, saw participants including caregivers, medical professionals, students, and elderly citizens. Many carried placards with messages urging early diagnosis and compassionate care.

March for awareness and acceptance

The rally wound its way along Kamarajar Salai before concluding at the Government General Hospital. Dr. S. Rajkumar, a neurologist who led the procession, said the turnout reflected a growing understanding of the condition. "Dementia is not a normal part of ageing, but many families in India still treat it as such," he noted.

Participants wore matching blue T-shirts bearing the slogan "Remember the Person, Not the Disease." The colour blue has been adopted globally as a symbol for dementia awareness.

Focus on early detection and support

Organisers set up a free memory screening booth at the hospital after the rally. Doctors said that early diagnosis could significantly improve the quality of life for patients. "The biggest challenge is that people come to us very late, often when the condition has already advanced," said Dr. Meena Krishnan, a geriatrician associated with ARDSI.

She added that stigma prevents many families from seeking help. "There is a misconception that memory loss is just 'old age'. We need to change that mindset," she said.

Volunteers distributed pamphlets in Tamil and English, listing common warning signs such as forgetting recent events, difficulty in completing familiar tasks, and confusion about time or place.

Students and caregivers join hands

Several college students from Chennai's NSS units participated enthusiastically. Priya S., a second-year student from Stella Maris College, said, "I didn't know much about dementia before today. Now I feel I can help spread the word in my neighbourhood."

Caregivers shared their personal experiences. Sixty-eight-year-old M. Arumugam, whose wife was diagnosed with Alzheimer's three years ago, said, "When she first started forgetting things, I thought it was just stress. Support groups have helped me understand how to care for her better."

The event concluded with a pledge ceremony, where participants promised to support those living with dementia and their families.

Official data from the World Health Organization indicates that India has over 5 million people living with dementia, a number expected to rise sharply as the population ages. However, experts believe the actual figure could be higher due to underdiagnosis.

This rally is part of a larger statewide campaign to train frontline health workers in identifying early signs of dementia. A similar awareness drive is planned for Coimbatore next month.