The Vietnam Alzheimer's Disease Association (VnADA) and Eisai Vietnam Co., Ltd. signed a memorandum of understanding on 21/9, World Alzheimer's Day, marking a milestone in their collaborative community support efforts.
The "A Bit More" project, launched in 2023 under this partnership, has become a bridge between medical professionals and the community. The new agreement focuses on strengthening initiatives, providing educational resources, and offering practical support to Alzheimer's patients, their families, caregivers, and healthcare professionals – vital links in the comprehensive care ecosystem.
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Representatives of the two organizations at the signing ceremony. Photo: Eisai Vietnam |
Representatives of the two organizations at the signing ceremony. Photo: Eisai Vietnam
Entering its third year, "A Bit More" will implement several community-focused initiatives:
Introducing Tri the Elephant, a friendly elephant mascot, who will appear in media campaigns and community education programs to convey the importance of memory. Elephants are known for their strong memory and symbolize encouragement for maintaining cognitive health and improving the quality of life for the elderly and Alzheimer's patients in Vietnam.
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Raising community awareness about Alzheimer's and dementia at 108 Military Central Hospital. Photo: Eisai Vietnam |
Raising community awareness about Alzheimer's and dementia at 108 Military Central Hospital. Photo: Eisai Vietnam
Publishing an Alzheimer's Handbook: a scientific and practical resource combining specialized knowledge with everyday care tips, intended as a reliable reference for families facing this disease.
Expanding the Memory Cafe chain: a welcoming space for patients, families, caregivers, and medical professionals to connect and share. From the National Geriatric Hospital and 108 Military Central Hospital (Hanoi), the cafes are expanding to 30/4 Hospital, 175 Military Hospital (TP HCM), and S.I.S International General Hospital (Can Tho). These cafes also host talks, workshops, and social activities, helping preserve memories, strengthen family bonds, and spread hope.
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The "Memory Cafe" model – a place for interaction, sharing, connecting families, and spreading hope. Photo: Eisai Vietnam |
The "Memory Cafe" model – a place for interaction, sharing, connecting families, and spreading hope. Photo: Eisai Vietnam
Strengthening multi-sectoral cooperation: partnering with Genki House, WeCare247, and Meiji to diversify resources and provide more comprehensive, quality care services for patients and their families.
According to Alzheimer's Disease International, someone is diagnosed with dementia every 3 seconds globally. Vietnam's rapidly aging population is projected to have 1.2 million people with dementia by 2030, 60-80% of which are due to Alzheimer's.
Early signs of Alzheimer's are often overlooked or mistaken for natural aging, leading to delayed intervention and serious consequences. Timely recognition and screening are crucial for effective treatment, slowing disease progression, and maintaining quality of life.
The "A Bit More" project urges the community to proactively check their memory and recognize unusual signs. People can access the online screening page and answer the VnAD6 dementia screening questionnaire.
Doctor Tran Cong Thang, President of VnADA, emphasized that early diagnosis of Alzheimer's plays a vital role in improving treatment effectiveness and is key to preserving patients' memories.
Mr. Sugimoto Shingo, General Director of Eisai Vietnam, explained: "Prevention, examination, and early screening are three important factors in responding to Alzheimer's. Together with VnADA and partners, we are committed to implementing sustainable initiatives, contributing to a healthier community where memories are preserved – true to the spirit of A Bit More".
Eisai Vietnam is part of Eisai Co., Ltd. of Japan, operating since 1941. With a mission of human health care, the company specializes in researching and developing cancer and neurological treatments.
VnADA is a non-profit organization working to raise awareness, improve diagnostic and treatment capabilities of healthcare professionals, support scientific research, and enhance the quality of life for Alzheimer's and other neurological disorder patients and their families in Vietnam.
Dong Ve
