Nimhans to conduct Alzheimer’s awareness marathon across cities

Every year, stakeholders across the world create awareness on the disease ahead of the World Alzheimer’s Day marked on September 21.

The event in association with Forum Mall titled Forum Purple Run includes mini and micro marathons for both trained athletes, their families and the younger ones. The categories are 21 km, 10 km, 5 km and 3 km. The run is free for children below 12 years (to be accompanied by a guardian) and veterans above 55 years of age.

Dr S Selvin, neuro physician, said that there is an early onset of disease and it is for a number of reasons, highlighting the need for creating awareness. “There are factors like uncontrolled cholesterol, diabetes and hypertension. 

When combined with factors like smoking and consumption of alcohol, there is an early onset,” he said. He added that the marathon which sees a large participation can take the message into the community. “People will get to know that though it cannot be cured, one can arrest its progression.”

A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Nimhans, where research is carried out on diagnosis, treatment and cure of Alzheimer’s.