Message from Princess Yasmin Aga Khan
On 20 years of ADI
I marvel at all the accomplishments and our growth. To think that we started in 1984, with only four members, and that today we are 66. How impressive!
We all know there is great power in just one person who is committed to a cause, and there are people we can each point to in history whose influence has accomplished great things for mankind. Unity is a great power; even a rope with three strands is not easily broken. How exciting are the possibilities of the unity of ADI's 66 members joined together by vision and commitment on behalf of people with dementia and their carers.
Governments must realise that 18 million worldwide have dementia. Unfortunately, that number does not give us a clear picture of this disease's influence because it does not include the carers. Governments must become creative with tangible help to carers. The financial and emotional burdens are great. Dementia puts a strain on carers that we truly have no comprehension of unless we have walked in their shoes. I am very thankful that I was in a position to be able to keep my mother, Rita Hayworth, at home for seven years. I was able to hire around-the-clock supportive help, but what about those millions of carers who cannot? They feel so alone and are overwhelmed with this disease, both emotionally and financially. We must not close our hearts and hands to them.
There are many milestones and achievements for these past 20 years that ADI deserves recognition for, but lest I forget someone or something special, let me just say I applaud each one of you for your accomplishments I count it an honour to have a small part in this great team!
Princess Yasmin Aga Khan, President of ADI
Where next?
