In dementia, memory about current or recent events tends to become damaged, while memory about the past remains relatively intact – so the past can seem more real than the present to the person with dementia.
That is why, at the ARDSI day care centre where people with dementia visit everyday, of the many cherished memories that are still alive in them the Howrah Bridge is one that immediately takes them back in time and they start sharing stories of how they used to walk on it as a child to travel to and from Howrah Railway Station.
However, they forget what they had for breakfast that morning.
So, this September, to honour the cherished memories of people living with dementia and their families who care for them, ARDSI would like to highlight the Howrah Bridge by lighting it up with the colour Blue which is the official colour of the organization and one that represents trustworthiness and reliability just like the iconic Howrah Bridge.
This will take place from 6pm to 9pm (India time) on 21 September 2021.
For further information, please contact Nilanjana Maulik, Alzheimer’s & Related Disorders Society of India (ARDSI) at: nilanjana.maulik@gmail.com