Dr. Thorsie Katiry Delivers Dementia Awareness Lecture Emphasizing Early Diagnosis and Caregiver Support

The Senior Citizens Association of Nagaland (SCAN), working in collaboration with the Department of Social Welfare, recently organized a comprehensive Senior Citizens’ Health Awareness Talk alongside a free medical camp at Government High School in Asükiqa, Pughoboto, on October 10. According to official reports from the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), approximately 300 villagers hailing from Asükiqa and four surrounding neighboring communities successfully availed themselves of vital free health check-ups, professional medical consultations, and essential medications. The dedicated medical outreach was spearheaded by a multidisciplinary team of eight medical professionals—comprising specialists, general practitioners, and dental surgeons—alongside skilled nursing staff. Volunteer doctors including Dr. Vivito Khala, Dr. Ilokali Khala, Dr. Limeka Assumi, Dr. Angukato Yepthomi, and Dr. Kavi Wotsa lent their expertise, supported actively by SCAN members Dr. Thorsie Katiry, Dr. Watikala, and Dr. K. Phapino. During the educational health awareness session, camp convener Dr. Thorsie Katiry delivered an insightful lecture focusing on dementia, explaining that the medical condition involves a progressive decline in cognitive functions such as memory, abstract thinking, effective communication, and sound judgment. He underscored advanced aging as a primary risk factor while identifying contributing medical causes such as Alzheimer’s disease, cerebrovascular strokes, recurrent infections, and specific medication side effects. To aid early recognition and timely medical intervention, Dr. Katiry detailed common behavioral and cognitive symptoms, including persistent forgetfulness, disorientation, confusion, trouble acquiring new information, abrupt mood shifts, restlessness, sleep disruptions, and hallucinations. He earnestly encouraged families and dedicated caregivers to provide robust support systems for elderly individuals through regular physical exercise, stimulating cognitive activities, and compassionate care, while advising caregivers to maintain clear communication, avoid unnecessary arguments, and exercise caution when seniors engage in potentially hazardous activities like driving, cooking, or managing finances. Earlier in the proceedings, welcoming remarks were delivered by SCAN vice president Limawati Longchar, who highlighted that the initiative was specifically designed to deliver crucial healthcare services directly to senior citizens, while expressing profound gratitude to the local village community for their hospitality and to the medical volunteers for working beyond their regular duties. Representing the beneficiary communities, Joint Council chairman Asheto Achumi thanked SCAN and the medical team for traveling to the remote area, echoing sentiments shared by camp advisor S. Ghunakha Swu, who noted that the groundbreaking outreach marked the very first camp of its kind conducted by SCAN within the district. The well-coordinated program was formally chaired by SCAN president Dr. I. Pihoto Khala, featuring meaningful spiritual invocations and benedictions led by local pastors Shikiho Chophi and Z. Yekivi Swu.