The Centre for Elderly Care Education and Research, a collaborative center of Manipal College of Nursing and Manipal College of Health Professions, initiated its activities on the auspicious occasion of the 90th Birthday of Dr. Ramdas Pai, Chancellor of Manipal Academy of Higher Education, on 17.09.2025. In observance of World Alzheimer's Month 2025, a significant awareness session on "Brain Health for Senior Citizens" was organized at IMA Bhavan, Udupi. The event aimed to raise public awareness about brain health, cognitive decline prevention, and support for elderly individuals, with a special focus on Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.

The event was coordinated by the Centre, in partnership with the Department of Psychiatry, Kasturba Medical College (KMC), Manipal, Department of Social & Health Innovation, Prasanna School of Public Health (PSPH), and Dementia India Alliance, in collaboration with Lions Club Manipal, IMA Udupi Karavali, WDW-IMA Udupi Karavali, and Udupi Senior Citizens Association.

The inaugural program commenced with an invocation, followed by a welcome address from Dr. Suresh Shenoy, President of IMA Udupi. Mr. K. Muralidhar, In-charge President of Udupi Senior Citizens Association, addressed the gathering, and the vote of thanks was delivered by Dr. Nishanth Bhat, President of Lions Club Manipal. Other dignitaries present on the dais included Dr. Archana Bhakta, President of WDM IMA Udupi; Dr. Teddy Andrews, Head of Department, Social & Health Innovation, PSPH; Dr. Abhiram P. N, Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry, KMC Manipal; and Dr. Soyuz John, Associate Professor (PSW), Department of Psychiatry

Following the inaugural function, Dr. Abhiram P. N addressed the gathering on the topic "Brain Health for Senior Citizens", which is a timely and valuable initiative to empower the elderly population. The session covered key areas including: Preventing the progression of cognitive decline, Reducing the burden on families and healthcare systems, Promoting healthy aging through lifestyle modifications, Risk factors of Alzheimer’s disease, Importance of regular cognitive screening, Nutrition, physical activity, and mental exercises for brain health, and available support systems and medical treatments.

Following the awareness session, cognitive screening of all participants was conducted by a team of psychiatrists and psychiatric social workers from KMC Manipal. A total of 55 senior citizens benefited from the program. Dr. Anil Raj A., the centre coordinator, served as the Master of the Ceremony for the program.

This activity was aimed at achieving SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being and SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities.