Colombo’s iconic Lotus Tower blazes red leading Sri Lanka’s campaign against Alzheimer’s

By Tania de Silva

Sri Lanka is gearing up for a bold push against dementia this September, as the Lanka Alzheimer’s Foundation (LAF) rolls out its World Alzheimer’s Month campaign with a powerful statement. 

In a country where the aging population is soaring, with nearly half a million expected to be living with dementia by 2050, this initiative is more crucial than ever. The initiative kicked off on 1 September, where Colombo’s Lotus Tower glowed red, casting a vivid spotlight on the silent epidemic of Alzheimer’s disease — a specific form of dementia that relentlessly attacks memory and cognitive function.

But LAF isn’t merely raising awareness; it’s calling for action. On 7 September at 4:30 p.m., the “Run to Remember,” a 5 km run from the Taj Samudra Hotel, will push participants to sweat for a cause. A week later, on 14 September at 7:30 a.m., the “Memory Walk 2024” will commence from the Cinnamon Grand Hotel, motivating everyone to take tangible steps — both literally and figuratively — towards preventing dementia.

Driven by volunteers and supported by donations, LAF provides essential services such as memory screening, caregiver support, and befriending services. This year, the College of Community Physicians Sri Lanka (CCPSL) joins LAF, recognising the often-neglected yet profound impact of dementia on public health.

Backed by sponsors including ADZ Insurance Brokers, Lotus Tower, Wijaya Newspapers, and event venues Taj Samudra and Cinnamon Grand Colombo, these efforts highlight the pressing need to address this non-communicable disease. Dementia is more than just forgetfulness; it’s a looming crisis that threatens our aging society.

Dementia is a constellation of symptoms that disrupt cognitive function, transforming daily life into a perplexing ordeal. It’s not a natural part of aging, and Alzheimer’s is the most notorious offender. Spotting dementia requires vigilance — look out for memory lapses, difficulties with planning, confusion about time and place, and issues with visual perception. Conversations may become challenging, objects may be misplaced, and poor judgment may emerge. Social withdrawal and mood swings can signal the severity. The time to act is now, as underscored by the College of Community Physicians Sri Lanka’s President, Shiromi Maduwage, at the recent press conference at Lotus Tower.

“Reducing the risk of dementia involves engaging in physical exercise such as walking or swimming, maintaining a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins, stimulating the mind through puzzles and learning, staying socially connected, ensuring quality sleep, and having regular health check-ups. To delay progression, it is crucial to maintain a consistent routine, manage medications, participate in cognitive therapies and physical therapy, join support groups, and implement safety measures in the home,” said LAF Secretary Lakmali Cabral.

Dementia is not a death sentence, but with no cure on the horizon, raising awareness and intervening early has never been more vital. The time to stand up, walk, and run against Alzheimer’s is now, LAF added.