VIOBA joins hands with the Central Geriatric Hospital to respond to the Alzheimer's Disease Prevention and Control Action Month

Joining the global Alzheimer's Day Awareness Month, on September 26th, the social enterprise VIOBA was honoured to participate in the "Responding to Alzheimer's Day Awareness Month and World Alzheimer's Day" program held at the National Geriatric Hospital. This event strongly affirms the necessity of raising community awareness and working together for a future free from the worry of this 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 worldwide are currently living with dementia (2021 figures), with Alzheimer's disease accounting for approximately 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, Doctor Nguyen Trung Anh, Director of the Central Geriatric Hospital, emphasized a crucial direction: a strong shift from a mindset focused on diagnosis and treatment to proactive disease prevention, emphasizing the protection, care, and continuous improvement of overall health throughout life. Following this message, Associate Professor, Doctor Nguyen Thanh Binh, Director of the Center for Memory and Dementia Research at the Central Geriatric Hospital, shared important information from the World Health Organization: effectively controlling 14 risk factors can prevent or delay up to 40% of dementia cases. These factors include blood pressure, hearing, nutrition, physical activity, social interaction, and control of chronic diseases such as diabetes.

VIOBA is committed to supporting the community

This year's program in response to Alzheimer's Day and the Alzheimer's Day Action Month is themed "Early Prevention – Preserving Long-Lasting Memories," emphasising the role of early dementia prevention in protecting memory, maintaining quality of life, and reducing the burden on families and society.

As a social enterprise working for public health, VIOBA is always aware of its responsibility in disseminating information and supporting those affected by Alzheimer's disease. Attending the event, Ms. Tran Bich Thuy, Director of VIOBA Social Enterprise, a representative member of Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI) in Vietnam, shared: “Today’s event is a wonderful testament to the deep concern of the healthcare sector and the community for the mental health of the elderly. As the representative of ADI in Vietnam, VIOBA is committed to continuing to support, disseminate knowledge, and build practical support activities to help patients and their families not be alone on their journey to fight Alzheimer’s.”

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.