CEBU CITY – More than 500 participants composed of senior citizens, university students, healthcare services, students joined the “World Walks Against Dementia” (WWAD), the first of its kind in Cebu, organized by the Children’s Paradise Montessori School (CPMS) with the Purple Angels-Cebu Chapter on September 7 at the Cube Wing of SM Seaside City Cebu as part of a global initiative promoting awareness, inclusion, and support for individuals and families affected by dementia.
CPMS president, Marivic Bathan, in her opening message at the event specifically mentioned the significance of the color purple, representing dementia awareness, courage, dignity, and compassion. “The event is part of a global initiative with 46 countries participating, including Cebu Children's Paradise Montessori School. We highlight the Montessori approach to dementia care emphasizing our interest in this field.”
Bathan said that the importance of the event is underscored as more than just a walk; it is a promise to raise awareness, fight dementia, and care for those affected with dignity and respect. The event is described as a promise to never let dementia steal the value and worth of a person's life.
Dr. Toom Vatanagul, in his talk on “Dementia 101” shared that Dementia is a growing medical issue with 57 million people affected globally, 60-70 percent from low to middle-income countries.
“In the Philippines, dementia prevalence is 10.6 percent projected to affect 1.4 million by 2030. Alzheimer's is a type of dementia, but not all dementia is irreversible; some can be due to treatable conditions like renal failure or vitamin B12 deficiency,” Vatanagul emphasized the need for awareness and early detection to manage dementia effectively.
Dr. Vatanagul said that the normal aspects of aging, including forgetfulness, and differentiates between normal forgetfulness and more serious memory loss. Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia are not the same. MCI involves early memory loss and behavioral changes while dementia being characterized by the impairment of daily living activities.
“The importance of recognizing when forgetfulness becomes a significant issue that affects daily living. Individuals with MCI can still perform daily activities, but when these activities are affected, it is considered dementia,” Dr. Vatanagul explained.
Common examples of forgetfulness, such as losing keys, glasses, or money, and emphasize that mere forgetfulness does not necessarily indicate dementia, Vatanagul said, adding that Dementia is indeed a growing problem with significant medical issues.
Dr. Vatanagul explained that Alzheimer's disease is just one type of dementia, with other types including frontotemporal dementia, Lewy body dementia, and vascular dementia. He noted that some types, such as those caused by renal failure, liver disease, or thyroid issues, can be reversible with treatment.
“Examples of reversible dementia include those caused by urinary tract infections, liver cancer, cirrhosis, and vitamin B12 deficiency. Early diagnosis and treatment are very important to prevent irreversible damage,” the doctor said. (Photos: MBCNewman)
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