Mangaluru: “When people above 60 years or elders have a memory screening test, it gives an indication of the state of the brain and remedial action can be taken," said Dr Prabha Adhikari, HOD, General Medicine, inaugurating the workshop on memory screening test for doctors and psychology students at Yenepoya Medical College.

As part of observation of World Alzheimer’s Month, a training programme for doctors and psychology students was conducted.

Dr Pracheth Raghuveer of Community Medicine explained about the various memory test programmes like MMSE, COG, etc and asked the participants to test among themselves.

"Start by developing a friendly rapport with the person being tested and be sensitive to the personal questions asked," suggested Dr Pracheth.

"Alzheimer's is like the tragic Titanic ship, which was struck by the underlying iceberg, similarly Alzheimer's too has underlying reasons more than evident reasons," said Dr Santosh Yatnati, of Community Medicine, who conducted a brilliant insightful session for the participants.

The participated members were all presented certificates of recognition.

"Jerardin D'Souza, though an Engineer, has passionately pursued the cause of Alzheimer's disease and created profound awareness of Alzheimer's disease by founding MAA, Mangalore Alzheimer's Association," said Dr Prabha Adhikari and Dr Pracheth Raghuveer, in recognition of Jerardin D'Souza's work of establishing MAA.

Pruthvi, Ananya, and Annapoorna were some active psychology students who participated from St Aloysius College. The proactive head of Psychology department from St Aloysius College, Shalini, accompanied the students and also participated in the workshop.

Sridevi, Mohanraj, Masood and many doctors participated in the memory screening workshop.

The workshop was sponsored by Mangalore Chemicals and Fertilizers (MCF) and conducted under the aegis of PAGE - People's Association of Geriatric Empowerment which is proactively conducting various programs throughout the month.

On September 22, World Alzheimer's Day is being observed at Town Hall, Mangaluru. "All must attend and help make Mangaluru dementia friendly,” requested Jerardin D'Souza, secretary of PAGE.