Local researchers and medical students shared advances and results of studies on dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease during a recent conference.
Academics and students from Pengiran Anak Puteri Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah Institute of Health Sciences (PAPRSB IHS) presented talks and projects during the Alzheimer’s Disease International Asia-Pacific Regional Conference (ADI APRC) 2023 last month.
PAPRSB IHS Senior Assistant Professor Dr Khadizah binti Haji Abdul Mumin spoke on ‘Dementia Care in the Age of 4IR: Challenges and Opportunities’, highlighting the advantages and limitations of technology in dementia care.
Meanwhile, PAPRSH IHS Assistant Professor Dr Hajah Asmah binti Haji Husaini spoke on ‘Advanced Care Planning in Dementia: A Discussion from an Islamic Perspective’ and presented a case study on end-of-life conversations with family members living with advanced dementia.
She also recommended the application of an Islamic framework to ease the conversations.
Assistant Professor Deeni Rudita Idris, Dr Khadizah and Dr Hajah Asmah also exhibited collective research and community works aimed at raising awareness on healthy ageing.
Meanwhile, Assistant Professor Dr Sharimawati binti Haji Sharbini presented her research project on ‘PMK2F Health and Physical Strength Empowerment Programme for 60 Years and Above’.
The project looked into the benefits of strength and balance training for the elderly and showed promising early results, including improvements in strength, mobility, and overall well-being.
Two third-year students from the BHSc Medicine programme Muhammad Adib Wajdi bin Haji Asrul Azmi and Muhammad Hazman bin Awang Josli represented their team of seven showcasing their community outreach project, ‘Wise and Well: Toward Energising and Guiding the Aged Society (TEGAS)’, organised as part of their module.
The project aimed to empower the elderly, highlight their importance to society while bridging the inter-generational gap via various community activities.
Former PAPRSB IHS student, Khaidiel Fiqrie Ahmad, employed at the Ministry of Health (MoH), also delivered a presentation on the limitations of accessibility for disabled people in Brunei, especially in public areas such as shopping centres and offices.
The conference was jointly organised by Demensia Brunei, Alzheimer’s Disease International, the MoH, and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports.
It was also supported by Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Pantai Jerudong Specialist Centre, and the Ministry of Home Affairs. – Fadley Faisal
