Vioba joins hands with the National Geriatric Hospital to support the Action Month for Alzheimer’s Disease Prevention

In line with the global observance of the Action Month for Alzheimer’s Disease Prevention, on September 26, Vioba Social Enterprise was honoured to take part in the program “In Response to the Action Month for Alzheimer’s Disease Prevention and World Alzheimer’s Day,” held at the National Geriatric Hospital. The event strongly reaffirmed the importance of raising public awareness and joining forces to work toward a future free from the fears of a disease that is erasing the memories of hundreds of thousands of Vietnamese people.

A Concerning Reality and the Message: “Never Too Early, Never Too Late”

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), more than 57 million people were living with dementia worldwide in 2021, with Alzheimer’s disease accounting for around 60–70% of cases.

WHO projects that the number of people with dementia could rise to about 78 million by 2030 and over 139 million by 2050. The Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI) has also warned that Alzheimer’s-related deaths are increasing rapidly, predicting that by 2040, dementia will become the third leading cause of death globally.

In Vietnam, it is estimated that around 600,000 people are currently living with dementia, and this number is expected to grow in line with the country’s rapidly ageing population. Dementia causes memory loss and reduces independence in daily activities, while also placing a heavy burden on families and society.

Speaking at the event, Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Trung Anh, Director of the National Geriatric Hospital, emphasised a key orientation: shifting strongly from a focus on medical examination and treatment to proactive disease prevention, with greater attention to protecting, caring for, and improving overall health continuously throughout the life course. Echoing this message, Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Thanh Binh, Director of the Memory and Dementia Research Centre at the National Geriatric Hospital, shared an important piece of information from the World Health Organisation: effective management of 14 risk factors can prevent or delay up to 40% of dementia cases. These factors include blood pressure, hearing health, nutrition, physical activity, social engagement, and control of chronic conditions such as diabetes.

Vioba’s Commitment to Standing with the Community

This year’s program, in response to the Action Month for Alzheimer’s Disease Prevention and World Alzheimer’s Day, was held under the theme “Early Prevention – Preserving Long-Lasting Memories.” The theme emphasises the importance of early dementia prevention in protecting memory, maintaining quality of life, and alleviating burdens on families and society.

As a social enterprise dedicated to community health, Vioba recognises its responsibility in spreading knowledge and supporting those affected by Alzheimer’s disease. Participating in the event, Ms. Tran Bich Thuy, Director of Vioba Social Enterprise and the representative of Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI) in Vietnam, shared: “Today’s event is a wonderful testament to the deep care of both the health sector and the community for the mental well-being of older persons. As ADI’s representative in Vietnam, Vioba is committed to continuing our efforts to share knowledge and develop practical support activities, ensuring that people living with Alzheimer’s and their families are not alone in their journey.”

In addition to the main event, the program also featured a series of meaningful activities such as a flower arrangement workshop, instant photo corner, “Memory Café,” and a lucky spin with many attractive prizes. Notably, the National Geriatric Hospital organised a free memory screening program for people aged 50 and above at the Centre for Memory and Dementia Research on the same morning. Within the program, Ms. Tran Bich Thuy, representing ADI, presented meaningful gifts to the winning teams of the flower arrangement contest. This is considered one of the effective therapeutic activities for people living with Alzheimer’s, as it not only stimulates their thinking and emotions but also creates a space for them and their loved ones to build beautiful memories together.

Although the event has concluded, its message on Alzheimer’s prevention will continue to resonate. The fight against Alzheimer’s requires the collective effort of the entire community, from healthcare agencies and social organisations like Vioba to families and individuals. Start protecting your brain health and that of your loved ones today by adopting a healthy lifestyle and undergoing regular health check-ups. Together, we can slow the progression of the disease and preserve precious memories.