World Alzheimer's Day™ 2003
These are just some of the ways that Alzheimer associations around the world marked World Alzheimer's Day™ in 2003.
Argentina
ALMA co-ordinated a balloon launch at the Obelisk in Buenos Aires and handed out bookmarks throughout the capital city to mark the day.
Australia
64-year-old Granny Kay ran 300km from Sydney to Canberra arriving at Parliament House on the 21st. Her week long run attracted national TV, radio and print coverage. Overall, Dementia Awareness Week in Australia generated over 200 media spots - far greater than in previous years.
Finland
Combined the day with the association's 15th anniversary celebrations which included a jazz concert in Helsinki. National celebrities performed in the concert which was later broadcast on national TV. The public had opportunity to phone in and make a donation to association - over 10,000 calls were registered. The events received huge media attention - resulting in a several current affairs programmes covering dementia.
Hungary
The Hungarian Alzheimer Society co-ordinated information displays in 29 Tesco supermarket stores, and placed an article about dementia in the store's magazine, which has a readership of 2 million. The Society also worked with the Hungarian Red Cross, Roman Catholic Church and Hungarian Psychiatrics Association. TV coverage included a short documentary made about coping with Alzheimer's in the home. The Society are now have better recognition from the government and say that that people are beginning to understand what the Society is talking about.
Japan
Over 6000 people attended one of 29 public lectures throughout the country. About 1000 members distributed 130,000 leaflets in street campaign co-ordinated throughout 92 cities. This was the first year the association's message centred on emotional aspects of dementia and they report that celebrating the day over so many years has changed people's perceptions on dementia.
Korea
Held an open house at the Songpa Senior Welfare Centre with events throughout the day that included Montessori based learning, aromatherapy, Snogen sensory therapy, puppet theatre and foot massage. The last session was a cooking session in which an intuitionalist talked about diet for the elderly. 'This event was the first time I've realised that we can use our knowledge and technology to make life easier for people with dementia and their families. I have been stimulated to create some innovative programmes after seeing today's events' said one representative from the Korean Therapy Association
India - Goa
Held a month of awareness events! The highlight of which was a press conference with a person with dementia from Australia speaking about her experience with dementia - a first in India, securing front-page coverage in the print media and extensive TV coverage. The association felt the best thing about the day was that it helped the their endeavour in making the Alzheimer's movement a people's movement. It also established dementia as a public health concern through media coverage, increased awareness, increased concern, increased volunteers and renewed enthusiasm. Dr Amit Dias also noted 'I visited a family who called our help line a few days ago - her husband had dementia and she told me that she approached her local politician with the problem. The local politician immediately said that it could be Alzheimer's disease. This is an interesting change in state were even the medical doctors were not ware of dementia a few years ago!'
Luxembourg
Organised a Memory Walk in conjunction with a guided tour of the historic part of the capital city. Tours ran all day and were adapted for people with a disability. Entertainment, refreshments and information stands were also available. Also had an art exhibition 'Regards' which was inaugurated by Minister of Family Affairs. The exhibition will be on show throughout the country for the coming year.
Nigeria
Religion is very strong in Nigeria and it is near impossible to do without religious ministers. Thus the association have developed a tradition for the day around Islamic and Christian prayers and remembrance for people with dementia and their families, along with a special meeting of health professionals and family members.
Pakistan
The association invited the Minister of Health for Punjab to a seminar in Lahore and encouraged the government to open a day care centre - a request the Minister agreed to by the end of the seminar! This will be the first day care centre for people with dementia in Pakistan. The association also marked the day with their second Memory Walk - chief guest was Advisor to the Chief Minister Health and special guest of honour was MPA Parliamentary Secretary of Health. The association state that World Alzheimer's Day has been a powerful tool for getting their message across - especially to their government who now recognises dementia as a health issue.
Poland
People with dementia and their families, politicians and health workers all joined the picnic organised by the Polish Alzheimer's Association. The association also sent an appeal letter and information pack to every single politician, resulting in one showing an interest in setting up a local branch.
Singapore
Held a public forum and Memory Walk. About 2,500 people came on the walk - including a Member of Parliament for the locality. Organised lots of fringe activities (games, stalls learn to play sports stations, sales of items, information about Alzheimer's, lucky draw). Everyone went home with a t-shirt and goodie bag.
South Africa
Organised a national conference, several seminars and information days (in rural and urban areas) reaching about 5000 people, a picnic at the botanical gardens (Johannesburg), musical evening in Pretoria. Also constructed a maze at the Cape Town Flower Show which was visited by 60,000 people, 10,000 of which walked through the maze.
Sri Lanka
Kicked off their Memory Walk 3 days prior to the walk by setting up a charity desk at a leading departmental store inviting people to join the walk. Some 300 participated including 3 cricket celebrities. The association also hired a double decker bus for the older people who attended but could not walk the 5.7km route.
Chinese Taipei
Celebrated the day for the first time by inviting the public, people with dementia and their carers and medical professionals to a Memory Walk, memory quizzes and a seminar in Ta-An Park, Taipei. About 1000 people came along and were entertained by a group of 120 children playing the drums.
UK
The Lambeth branch of the Alzheimer's Society walked along the River Thames for their first Memory Walk, stopping to admire the view of Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. This was the first year the Society organised a national Memory Walk.
