http://vod.dmi.ae/media/235989/Studio_One_Season_4_18_09_2013

A Live TV Interview at Dubai One

4get-me-not.org 30-minute dialogue with Aishwarya Ajit & Tom Urquhart

Podcast Interview at 103.8 Dubai

Listen to 4get-me-not.org with Suzanne Radford

Finally at 7DAYS

08 July 2014: World Alzheimer's Day 2014 is around the corner and big challenge is (again) ahead of us. Organizing this community event, for the 2nd year at the iconic the Dubai Mall is humongous task. But what we lack in CSR funding, we make up for committed volunteers and media support namely the 7DAYS.

Our special thanks to Megha Merani, 7DAYS News Reporter and the 7DAYS Editorial team for the beautiful article on 4get-me-not.org. This means a lot in our advocacy in raising awareness on Alzheimer's in the region. Hopefully this will open a lot of hearts in the UAE and help us continue what we love doing most.

Read the full article in PDF: http://pages.cdn.pagesuite.com/e/7/e77c48af-e017-4e2b-88b0-8eae96a553a8/page.pdf

Back to 103.8 Dubai Eye

10 June 2014: It was a little over a year when 4get-me-not.org was a guest at Suzanne Radford's show - Dubai Today,103.8 Dubai Eye. This time I was back at her show and accompanied by Dr. Senthil Meenrajan, Consultant Geriatrician - American Hospital and Dr. Yousef Abou Allaban, Consultant Psychiatrist and Managing Director - American Center for Psychiatry and Neurology.

It was an information packed program with more focus on medical perspective of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and exploring Brain Health as preventive measure against AD.

Thank you Suzanne and Michelle Loxton, Producer (103.8) for the one-hour live interview at Dubai Today. It was a great opportunity for us to raise awareness on AD and the photo competition -' A Photographic Memory.'

A Photographic Memory

at The Brain Workshop & Argo Tea Cafe

31 May 2014: A Photographic Memory - Photo Competition, Workshop and Exhibition on 'Brain Health to keep Sharp' is our first attempt to use Photography as a medium to raise awareness on Alzheimer's disease to a creative level.

The first Photo Workshop series took place on 16th May at The Brain Workshop supported by Managing Director - Sahar Riad.

4get-me-not.org Spokesperson, Ruth Williams and her catchphrase 'Use it or Lose it,' will always remind us to exercise our brain more often. We were all ears to Master photographer - Chris Calumberan's simplified basic photography.

Great camarederie with creative minds!

The final Photo workhop at the Argo Tea Cafe, Citywalk concluded on 31st May. Special thanks to the Argo Team - Dhara and Hussam, Dyan Guanco, Chris Calumberan and Full Frame Photogrpahy Magazine. The final submission of photo entries will be on 10th June. The awarding ceremony is slated on14th June at The Argo Tea Cafe - 6pm.

Brain Health Campaign at The India Club

R-L: Dr. Ram Buxani, Chairman - India Club; Bharat Chachara, General Manager - India Club; Desiree Vlekken, Founder & CEO - 4get-me-not.org

24 May 2014: The Brain Health Campaign in collaboration with the Standing Commitee on Public Health (SCOPH) was held at the prestigous India Club.

The India Club, is one of the oldest sports and recreational facilities for the expatriate Indian community in Dubai. Formerly known as the India Sports Club, is a non-profit organisation run by a board of trustees which boasts a 6,000-strong membership.

It was a memorable evening for members and guests as challenging mind exercise games were conducted on-site by SCOPH and DMCG student volunteers. There was also a special volunteer choir performance from the Dubai Vocal Ensemble who sang 'The Java Jive' and 'Man in the Mirror,' by Michael Jackson.

Everybody was all ears during the Forum session with Raymond Hamden (Managing Director - HRI & Clinics) and Khaled Ibrahim (Sr. Product Manager - Abbott Nutrition).

All praises to Nujood Rashid, Diana Guanco and Pansy Lobo who took the stage and inspired the audience.

A big thank you to the lovely audience of the India Club.

And special thanks to our friends and dear volunteers who ruled the Brain Health Campaign. As full time professionals and pre-med students, they took the time to help us raise awareness on Alzheimer's.

Our story at The Gulf Times

01 May 2014: The most awaited article on Alzheimer's disease was featured at The Gulf Times - 'When memory goes for a toss.' Comprehensive views on AD were provided by medical specialists in Alzheimer's disease (AD) namely: Dr. Samer Makhoul, Consultant & Head of Department of Psychiatry and Dr. Mohammed Gamil El Noamani, Head of Medical Section Al Mamzar including Desiree Vlekken, Founder & CEO - 4get-me-not.org.

Special thanks to Petrina D'Souza for this informative write up and helping us raise awareness to one of the region's underexposed health issue - Alzheimer's disease.

Brain Health Initiative at The Children's Garden (TCG) Jumeirah

April 2014: 4get-me-not.org in global partnership with The Dana Foundation will pre-launch The Brain Health initiative during the Spring Break event at The Children's Garden (TCG) Jumeirah, 10th April 2014.

According to Alzheimer's Society in Canada, 'The human brain as one of our most vital organs, plays a role in every action and every thought. Can Alzheimer's be prevented? There are no guarantees but healthy lifestyle choices will keep your brain as healthy as possible as you age.'

For the Brain Initiative at TCG, complimentary wooden puzzles will distributed to the first 50 parents who will sign up for 4get-me-not.org database. The puzzle is a great brain exercise tool that can be used by anybody. Its small and can be carried anywhere. Perhaps parents may also welcome the idea to have the puzzles as alternative for their children's I-pad.

Alzheimer's Film Screening on Brain Awareness Week

March 2014: To commemorate Brain Awareness Week, 4get-me-not.org - De-Mystifying Alzheimer's and CoTopia Social Responsibility hosted the film screening - 'You're Looking at Me Like I Live Here and I Don't' at Vox Cinema, Mall of the Emirates. This documentary produced and directed by Scott Kirschenbaum was filmed exclusively in an Alzheimer's and Dementia care unit.

4get-me-not volunteer and program emcee, Ruth Williams presented Key Speakers of Alzheimer's disease on the perspective of Psychiatry, Physical Therapy and Nutrition. Special thanks to our esteemed speakers / lecturers - Dr. Alia Al Qassimi, Specialist Registrar In- Charge - Latifa Hospital; Dr. Yousef Abou Allaban, Managing Director - American Psychiatry and Neurology; Louise de Jonge, Physical Therapist - Mediclinic City Hospital and Khaled Ibrahim, Regional Product Manager - Ensure Abbott Nutrition.

Prelude to the screening was a guest performance from Dubai Vocal Ensemble. The widely acclaimed Filipino choir sang their rendition of An Affair to Remember, Lacrimosa and Ethnik. 4get-me-not.org promotes music as therapeutic and beneficial for memory and brain health.

The strong presence of students from Dubai Medical College for Girls (DMCG) was supported by the school Dean - Prof. Mohammed Galal El Din. This was made possible through coordinated efforts from Dr. Marwa Mahmoud and DMCG student union led by Noof Rashid, Nujood Rashid and Fatima Mir.

This CSR event was co-sponsored by Vox Cinema, Dubai Medical College for Girls, American Center for Psychiatry and Neurology, Mediclinic City Hospital and Ensure Abbott Nutrition.

Special thanks to the delegates of Dubai Volunteer Centre and 4get-me-not.org Support Group.

05 December is also International Volunteers Day

December 2013: Our highlight this month will focus on marking the International Volunteers Day (IVD). IVD was penned by the United Nations in honor of the millions of volunteers and non-government organizations for their countless efforts to help humanity. This will also be an important day for 4get-me-not.org because it will be our way of showing thanks to our volunteers who keep helping us and proving us with support. Without them, we might not have been able to pull most of our projects.

Our special thanks to The Ministry of Social Affairs, Dubai Mall, CoTopia, Community Development authority (CDA) volunteers, MetLife Alico, Mediclinic, HRI & Clinics, Voice4Charity, Costa Coffee, MC Bassam, Invent Events, Dubai Youth Orchestra, Dubai Scholars Private school, Media supporters & 4get-me-not.org volunteers for making 'Remember World Alzhemer’s Day' a big success!

We are looking forward to work again with our supporters and volunteers for the next World Alzheimer's Day event on September 2014!

'Remember World Alzheimer's Day' at The Dubai Mall

21 September 2013:

Join us… on Saturday 21^st September till Monday 23^rd September for the Remember World Alzheimer’s Day community event and pay tribute to those affected by Alzheimer’s Disease by helping us put a face to the disease

Many of us at some point in our lives have known or heard of someone suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease and therefore have a rough idea of the significant impact this disease can have on one’s life. On this World Alzheimer’s Day, 4get-me-not (a non-profit organization in the UAE) has teamed up with CoTopia Social Responsibility Dialogue and Emaar Retail under the patronage of The Ministry of Social Affairs to make some much needed noise within our community around this degenerative disease and bring into light the significance of Alzheimer’s Disease by putting a face to Alzheimer’s.

When: Saturday 21^st September – Monday 23^rd September

Where: Dubai Mall, Waterfalls Atrium

Time: Saturday 12pm-9pm, Sunday & Monday 10am-9pm

What: Remember World Alzheimer’s Day Photo Wall and free on-site medical consultations

Do you know anyone or have you known anyone in the past that was affected by Alzheimer’s Disease?...

If your answer is yes then we would like to give you the opportunity to honor them and pay tribute to them by having their photo posted on the Remember World Alzheimer’s Day Photo Wall at the Dubai Mall which will be up from 21^st September until 23^rd September.

How?...

1. Email a high resolution photo of the person to whom you would like to pay tribute to info@4get-me-not.org

2. Come down to Dubai Mall Waterfall Atrium on the 21^st-23^rd September and bring your photo with you to post on the wall

But it’s not just about those who are suffering from the disease. Prevention and early detection is just as important as knowing how to deal with Alzheimer’s. This is why there will also be on-site doctors from Human Relations Institute & Clinics, MetLife Alico and Mediclinic throughout the three days to give free health & wellness assessment checkups, brief consultation and recommendation to the general public

Alzheimer’s is a life changing degenerative brain disease affecting many middle to old aged people worldwide and resulting in a progressive mental deterioration.

According to the 2012 World Bank report; approximately 0.5% of the UAE’s population (29000) are potential candidates for Alzheimer’s Disease and this number is expected to grow with time as early onset of Alzheimer’s Disease is now being reported at an age as early as 30. This is a growing concern especially as most people are not knowledgeable when it comes to early signs of Alzheimer’s and therefore tend to neglect these warning signs until the disease progresses to a stage that is much harder to treat and contain.

This is why in 1994, the World Health Organization has dedicated the 21^st of September as the official World Alzheimer’s Day in order to not only acknowledge and support those who are suffering from the disease but also raise awareness within communities around the world to allow people to detect the early sign of the disease and educate them about their treatment and lifestyle options and educate those who know someone that is affected by the disease on what it’s like to live with Alzheimer’s and how we can support them.

Why 'World Alzheimer's Day' is important? by Nujood Rashid

Every 21^st September, “World Alzheimer Day” is celebrated throughout the globe. It was on 21^st September 1994 during the Alzheimer Disease International annual conference in Edinburgh, decided that a special day was needed to recognize Alzheimer's disease (AD) impact on many individuals.

Since then, World Alzheimer's events are held all over to increase awareness on AD. Various lectures point out warning signs and early detection on AD, caregiver's workshops and also fundraising towards research and cure.

World Alzheimer's Day is a continuous reminder to societies of the lives it has affected. It is also a beacon of hope in search for possible cure for the disease. This is a special opportunity for families, friends and caregivers living with Alzheimer's to get together and reminisce wonderful memories of their loved ones.

How can you be part of 'World Alzheimer's Day? You can participate in a community event organized by non-profit organizations in the UAE like 4get-me-not.org. Many young volunteers in Dubai would like to make a difference and should not miss volunteer opportunities from 4get-me-not.org. Alternatively visit a Geriatric Clinic or Elderly care centre and spend some time with the in-patients. Whatever you choose to do, every person makes a difference.

My sister Noof and fellow students at Dubai Medical College pledge support for 'Remember World Alzheimer's Day.'

Alzheimer's journey on Illustrado magazine

July 2013: Lifestyle magazine Illustrado featured 4get-me-not.org's journey to AD awareness in its June - July issue. Illustrado is a community magazine published out of Dubai that highlights the stories of Filipinos working abroad and their contributions in uplifting the society.

The two-page writeup highlighted our story from the need to spread awareness about AD for people without any medical background and the surrounding challenges that we are currently facing with our advocacy .

Special thanks to Lalaine Chu-Benitez - Editor in Chief & Publisher and Illustrado Editorial team for helping us raise awareness on Alzheimer's.

The Children's Garden School and Caravan of Colours

[With Desiree: Louise Fisk - School Nurse, TCG Jumeira & Christina Feind - Head Art Coordinator TCG Jumeirah]

June 2013: The students and staff of The Children's Garden Jumeira presented their 4th Annual Art Exhibition "Caravan of Colours." Its purpose is to document the progress of the children and to give them the opportunity of celebrating their achievements, much like the experience they would have in a museum walking from room to room.

Each room represents a major topic of the curriculum and shows the structure of the teaching tools from a creative perspective. The selected art piece will go to the higher bidder.

Proceeds from this year’s TCG silent auction will go in part to 4get-me-not.org - A journey into Alzheimer's.

Our special thanks to Ms. Birgit A . Ertl - Founder and Director, The Children's Garden for pledging support to 4get-me-not.org and helping raise awareness on Alzheimer's in the region.

The Celebration Cakes

May & June 2013: It was two busy months for celebration cakes! And a bid to welcome summer season in Dubai.

On 27 May, Human Relations Institute & Clinics hosted a family home warming and dinner reception for the relocation of their new office at Jumeira Lake Towers. Then on 04 June, 4get-me-not.org launched Support Group for Alzheimer's at The Archive Library & Cafe and also to commemorate the 149th birth anniversary of Dr. Alois Alzheimer.

Most of all my friend Lucy just celebrated her 50th birthday. She is a full time caregiver to her ward for 10 years at Mamzar Community Center for the Elderly. Happy Birthday Lucy!

Women Health & Fitness features Alzheimer's

01 May 2013: 4get-me-not.org contributed an article on Alzheimer's disease for the Women's Health & Fitness Magazine (WH&F) for May 2013 Issue. WH&F is the premier health and fitness magazine in the Gulf. It’s a holistic guide to a happier and healthier lifestyle, offering a lot of information on health including, mental well-being.

On page 14, we find article contributors including Desiree Vlekken - Founder & CEO, 4get-me-not.org. The full 2-page article on Alzheimer's is a great start to raise awareness on this incurable disease. 4get-me-not.org would like to thank Eileen Domiati, Editor-in-Chief, Emilie Goldstein - Lifestyle Editor and WH&F Team for their continued support.

Rotary Club Jumeirah invites 4get-me-not.org

17 April 2013: Mr. Ahmad Belselah, President of the Rotary Club of Jumeirah presented the ceremonial banner to Desiree Vlekken, Founder & CEO 4get-me-not.org at the Sunset Lounge, Mina A' Salam Hotel Jumeirah.

The Rotary Club of Jumeirah motto, "Peace through service," forms part of Rotary International whose stated purpose is to bring together business and professional leaders in order to provide humanitarian services, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations and help build goodwill and peace in the world.

Barely five months operations in Dubai, 4get-me-not.org was invited to conduct a 15-minute presentation by Rotarian member, Musa Al-Sadoon and also Managing Director of Franklin Covey Middle East. Prior to the presentation, Mr. Musa delivered a heart warming introduction to 4get-me-not.org in the presence of his fellow Rotarians and guests.

The 4get-me-not.org presentation of raising awareness on Alzheimer's disease in the region sparked interest among the audience as conveyed during the Q & A session.

4get-me-not.org presentation was supported by the presence of Dr. Raymond Hamden - President, HRI & Clinics; Christine Basilio - Director Administration, HRI & Clinics and 4get-me-not.org Volunteer Consultants - Rebecca Hill and Ingrid Sahu. With special thanks to Julia Carden, Coordinator of Rotary Club Jumeirah

The dinner gatherings of the highly esteemed Rotary Club Jumeirah is held every Wednesday.

A Memorable Evening

20 March 2013: "A Memorable Evening" - A film screening and community lecture series on Alzheimer's disease finally concluded.

The program started with an introductory note from Mike Young (The National) followed by a welcome speech from Desiree Vlekken, Founder and CEO of 4get-me-not.org. A 15-minute informative lecture on Alzheimer's disease was delivered by Dr. Raymond Hamden - President, HRI & Clinics.

A mixed audience gathered together to share a Memorable Evening. The 4get-me-not.org exhibition table attracted also inquiries on the special books and novelty items on Alzheimer's which will be available online by April 2013.

After the film screening of "Wrinkles," there was a sentimental reaction from the attendees, praised the film and clamored for more discussions on Alzheimer's.

This non-profit initiative was Co-sponsored by Human Relations Institute & Clinics and Beaufort Medical. And supported by CoTopia Social Responsibility Dialogue, Community Cinema, Spanish Business Council The Dubai Mall and Hersheys Chocolate World The Dubai Mall.

March 2013: Human Relations Institute And Clinics in association with The Foundation of International Human Relations (Washington DC) signed a MOU with 4get-me-not.org to co-sponsor "A Memorable Evening." This non-profit event is the first series of Film Screening and Community Lecture Program to raise awareness on Alzheimer's disease and other Dementias in Dubai, UAE.

Dr. Raymond H. Hamdan, President of HRI & Clinics was one of the key note speakers prior to the screening of the award winning Spanish animated film "Wrinkles." Families, medical practitioners and caregivers trooped down to the Picturehouse, Reel Cinema Dubai Mall last 20 March, 7PM.

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