4get-me-not transforms lives of traumatised people

Ask for wisdom from the elderlies and thou shall get lots.

Be involved in community with them, and thou shall get more.

Julia, since age 13, began accompanying her grandfather to periodic events meant for those who, at least, have gone through the onset of neurodegenerative diseases that have, according to most recent data, soared to over 55 million since the notorious Novel Coronavirus 2020.

Turned volunteer caregiver four years henceforth, Julia told Gulf Today: “Gratitude is a very big thing because we do not realise the changes that happen with age until we are actually around people. The difference with my grandpa when I was 10 to now. He is a different person especially now that he has dementia.”

“Spending time with his friend Tony (name changed) even now that my grandpa is back in Italy, with these activities. I see Shush (name changed) who used to actively dance. She is now on wheelchair. We realise how many things in our daily life that we do not think about. We like to walk. Then, we would be unable to. These have changed my perspective,” she continued. Concerning community involvement, Julia who plans of expanding her group of volunteers, presently composed of her Dubai College clique – Eve, Molly, Sofia, and Tara – replied: “It is important especially in Dubai where there is a mix of cultures. We have our own communities. I never would have thought to be a part of this. Make friends with people much older than me from other nationalities. I learn.”

Prior to the conversation, on the grand piano for three classical pieces – “Fur Elise” by German Ludwig van Beethoven and “Minute Waltz” by Polish Frederic Chopin – as well as the score for the 2004 Japanese animated photoplay “Howl’s Moving Castle,” – “Merry-Go-Round-Of-Life” by Japanese Joe Hisaishi, was Jia Loh Kumar.

The Singaporean, trained since age five, was hopeful that the classical pieces “offered a moment of peace or sparked a memory for everyone. Music has a unique way of reaching people beyond words. Being a part of an initiative that brings comfort and connection, especially to those living with Alzheimer’s, is very meaningful to me. It reminds me that even the smallest efforts may have a quiet but lasting impact.”

Incidentally, glee immediately registered on the face of one of two wheelchair-bound ladies, when she was already near Kumar – upon her request.

Both teenagers were at a Bingo-Dance Socials for people exhibiting Alzheimer’s Disease.

It was part of a year-long project by the not-for-profit social enterprise, 4get-me-not and the Dusit Thani-Dubai’s “Tree of Life” philosophy; which, hotel general manager Prateek Kumar, explained, is inclusion, sustainability, and community engagement in action “built on authenticity, intention, and care.”

“Oh yes. Some of the over 150 members we have since the beginning are still with us. One is already in the late ‘70s. Expats. Professionals. Business owners. Most had traumatic experiences. Some have diabetes. Some with heart problems. Through the years they have become talkative. Some, more talkative. They sleep better now. That is what we want,” said 25-year Dubai resident Desiree Vlekken.

Their numbers astronomically spiked during the pandemic because of isolation and depression.

Vlekken established with her husband and their young child, 4get-me-not for Alzheimer’s Disease/Dementia/Aging/Support for Caregivers awareness, in 2013.

Two years after her father in the Philippines had been diagnosed with deteriorating memory loss.

The first two elderly homes that welcomed the Vlekken Family for their mission and vision of awareness and proactive measures against Alzheimer’s Disease were the ones in “Ajman and Sharjah.”

Vlekken acknowledged the elderlies’ pro-activeness: “It has been by word-of-mouth that we have grown. They talk about their bonding experiences with others.”

First timer Victoria who heard about “them at the church would definitely return.”

From the clinical standpoint, Al Zahra Hospital (Dubai) Neurology consultant Dr. Miguel Nacher, commented: “Music-based interventions, proved to reduce agitation, improve mood and enhance quality of life. It is a meaningful tool in both the prevention and management of cognitive decline. It is non-invasive, accessible and cost-effective. Bingo, when non-commercially played, is a valuable tool to support brain wellness as we age.”