“Benevolence Lights Up My Later Life” - An Education System Project in tackling problems related to an ag e ing society, organized by Kiang Wu Nursing College of Macau (KWNC), co-organized by Macao Federation of Trade Unions (FAOM), Macau Alzheimer's Disease Association (MADA) and General Union of Neighbours Association of Macau (UGAMM), recently held a public lecture “Effective Prevention Measures for Alzheimer's Disease: Guide on Daily Diet and Activities” at the Day Centre “Chong Pak Chi Ka” of FAOM. The lecture was given by Ms. Lau Gar Bo, Lecturer of KWNC and Board Member of MADA. The aim of the lecture was to enhance participants' understanding about how dietary and exercising habits may reduce the risk of suffering from Alzheimer's disease. Dr. Zeng Wen, Associate Professor of KWNC and Chairman of Board of Directors of MADA was also invited to participate in the discussion of the lecture.

Lecturer Lau says that the cognitive and self-care ability of Alzheimer's disease patients will gradually degenerate as the disease progresses, and the symptoms of aphasia, agnosia and apraxia will emerge. She believes that by changing daily habits such as dietary and exercising habits, the risk of suffering from Alzheimer's disease will greatly decrease. Lecturer Lau encourages participants to consume food which contain abundant vitamin B12 (e.g. milk and dairy products) and folic acid (e.g. oranges and bananas), and consume antioxidant food (e.g. carrots and broccolis) more often. In addition, to reduce the intake of food which contain high amount of salt, fat and cholesterol can prevent Alzheimer's disease. She also emphasizes that the prevention of Alzheimer's disease and promotion of brain health not solely rely on a single nutrition or substance, but the overall healthy dietary habit. As a result, the elderly should pay attention to several principles about their daily life, namely, balanced diet, healthy exercising and joyful state of mind. On that day, the lecture hosted over 50 participants under a pleasant atmosphere.

Moreover, “Benevolence Lights Up My Later Life” will hold the 3 rd caregiver training workshop on the topic “Strategy for Activating Cerebrum: Alzheimer's Disease Exercising Tips” at 2:30pm on 22 September (Saturday) at the Taipa Office of FAOM. The workshop will be delivered by Dr. Tam Ian Kit, Neurologist of Kiang Wu Hospital and member of MADA. Interested parties are welcome to join. For enquiries, please contact Ms. Leong on 28841603 during office hours. Furthermore, KWNC has developed a website platform to introduce “Benevolence Lights Up My Later Life” and its project features, provide information about the current situation of ageing and Alzheimer's disease in Macao and around the world, lectures and workshops, prize quiz, etc. For more details, please browse the website http://www.kwnc.edu.mo/baba/ .