The president of Obras Sociais de Viseu, José Carreira, advocated that dementia diagnosis should be seen as an opportunity to understand, plan, and care better, warning about the lack of knowledge and stigma that continue to delay the search for help. The institution joined in September the World Alzheimer's Month, under the slogan "The sooner you know, the more you can do: dementia diagnosis matters," an international campaign promoted by Alzheimer's Disease International (ADI) that aims to draw attention to the importance of timely diagnosis.
According to data released by the campaign, it is estimated that 75% of people currently living with dementia worldwide have not received a formal diagnosis. José Carreira considered that this reality shows the need for a society where talking about dementia is as natural as talking about any other health condition, in which people are heard and respected and diagnosis represents the beginning of a follow-up journey.
The director of Obras Sociais de Viseu also warned that the persistence of the idea that cognitive changes are an inevitable consequence of aging contributes to delaying the search for help, emphasizing that "dementia is not part of normal aging." Persistent memory changes, difficulties in performing usual tasks, and language problems are some of the signs that should prompt seeking advice from health professionals.
The institution advocated for a person-centered approach and not just an approach focused on the disease, valuing life history, autonomy, and participation. José Carreira stated that "caring is much more than responding to the disease" and that the sooner you know, the sooner you can care better. In addition to medical care, Obras Sociais de Viseu highlighted the importance of social support, rehabilitation, participation and inclusion activities, and support for caregivers.
