Alzheimer's Disease, formerly also named Dementia, is a disease of more and more global concern. September 21st is the World Alzheimer's day, as originated by the Alzheimer's Disease International since 1994. The theme for this year is “Dementia. It’s time for action!”

According to Macau DSEC statistics, about 41,700 people, 7.7% of aged people over 65 among the permanent population were recorded by end of 2009. The 2006 data showed that 23.9 % of elderly people in domestic setting suffered from cognitive disorder to different extent. In this connection, there is anticipation for more social resources and activities to improve care service condition for dementia patients and their caretakers, so as to meet the crucial challenge of population aging in Macau.

In hope of raising social concern for dementia patients, KWNC faculty and a group of warmhearted medical workers, together with experts and academics devoted to elderly service has proposed to establish “Macau Alzheimer’s Disease Association”. On Sept. 14, an organizing committee was formed when a meeting was held to discuss the constitutions and future work plan of the Association. Mr. Patrick Huen, Vice Chairman of Dr. Stanley Ho Medical Development Foundation, was elected the Convener of Organizing Committee.

Mr. Huen expressed that the establishment of MADA is a new milestone in Macau’s geriatric services. The service for Alzheimer’s disease requires cross-professional collaboration to ensure that the elderly will be well taken care from all aspects. Meanwhile social education and public promotion on Alzheimer’s disease have to develop continually so that the patients’ needs could be recognized by the social public.

KWNC President Florence Van indicated that during over one month’s preparation, the constitutions, organizational structure and work plan schedule have been worked out for establishment of the Association. A number of programmes will be launched for training geriatric caregivers and for community health education in future. A resources centre is to be set up under cooperation with relevant institutions to give full play to medical workers in sustainable services to communities. The Association calls for participation of any interested individuals in MADA to commonly pushing forward the prevention and cure work of Alzheimer’s Disease.