To emulate Singapore’s advanced experience in Alzheimer’s disease prevention and control, Kiang Wu Nursing College of Macau (KWNC) recently invited the members of Macau Alzheimer’s Disease Association (MADA) to go on a 3-day exchange and learning trip to Singapore, under the Scholar Training Programme of “Benevolence Lights up my Later Life”. The delegation to Singapore was formed by Dr. Zeng Wen, Associate Professor of KWNC and Chairman of Board of Directors of MADA, Geriatric Nurse Lei Wai In, Lecturer of KWNC and Board Member of MADA, and Dr. Ho Chong Kin, Programme Director of School of Management, Leadership and Government of University of Saint Joseph and member of MADA.

The delegation was warmly welcomed by Alzheimer’s Disease Association (ADA) of Singapore and was invited to pay visits to the Association’s affiliated centres and clinic, including one of the New Horizon Centres and Caregiver Support Centres, and the Memory Clinic of Tan Tock Seng Hospital. These centres and clinic perform different functions – the New Horizon Centres provide person-centred and diversified day care services to elders with Alzheimer’s disease, the Caregiver Support Centres offer information concerning Alzheimer’s disease and facilitate the exchanges and mutual support between family caregivers, whereas the Memory Clinic offers cognitive ability testing to the elderly.

During the exchange meeting, Vice President of ADA Singapore Dr. Ng Li Ling indicated that the Association has been offering Alzheimer’s disease-related services for over 20 years. With the long-year devotion of a group of professional team members, family caregivers and volunteer workers, ADA Singapore has formed a mature Alzheimer’s disease servicing model with its services ranging from elderly day care, family caregivers support to promotion and education.

Dr. Zeng Wen also introduced Macao’s Alzheimer’s disease projects, including the Education System Project “Benevolence Lights up my Later Life”. Dr. Ng recognized the project’s significance in improving Macao’s Alzheimer’s disease services. She hoped that Macao would gradually build up a comprehensive servicing model by seeking more professional advice and support from various international Alzheimer’s disease organizations. Dr. Zeng expressed that MADA is expected to be admitted to Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI) in this April. Working as a member of ADI, he wished that MADA would be able to exert greater efforts to assist the Macao SAR Government in the prevention, control and relevant studies of Alzheimer’s disease, convey the correct understanding to the general public and enhance the overall living quality of the Macao society. Dr. Ng showed her approval and encouraged MADA to first prioritize its services according to the actual needs of the community, and then implement its plan accordingly.