The Department of Psychiatry, Government Medical College (GMC) Srinagar, IMHANS-K, organized a Continuing Medical Education (CME) programme on the theme “Ask About Dementia, Ask About Alzheimer’s – Increasing Awareness and Early Intervention.”
The event was inaugurated in the presence of senior faculty members including Prof. Mohammad Maqbool Dar (Head, Department of Psychiatry), Dr. Zaid Ahmad Wani, and Dr. Sadaqat Rahman. The CME was coordinated under the leadership of Dr. Junaid Nabi- Associate Professor, Psychiatry, who served as the Organizing Secretary.
The academic proceedings began with an insightful lecture by Dr. Tajamul, Head, Department of Psychiatry, GMC Baramulla, on “Dementia and Its Impact on Caregivers.” Dr. Tajamul emphasized that dementia is not just a clinical condition but a psychosocial challenge that affects entire families. He stressed the importance of early screening, caregiver psychoeducation, and the need to integrate community support systems to reduce caregiver burnout.
This was followed by a lively panel discussion moderated by Dr. Yuman (Assistant Professor, Psychiatry), featuring Dr. Junaid Nabi, Associate Professor IMHANS , Dr. Shabana (Assistant Professor, DM Neurology), Department of Medicine and Dr. Aijaz Ahmed Khan (Clinical Psychologist, Psychiatry).
The panel explored the multi-disciplinary approach to dementia care, the neurological underpinnings of Alzheimer’s, and the psychosocial interventions needed to improve quality of life for both patients and caregivers. The discussion highlighted gaps in awareness, the role of primary care physicians in early identification, and the need for community-based rehabilitation services.
To make the event inclusive, Lived experience voices were also shared during the CME. Caregivers and individuals affected by dementia spoke about their journeys, challenges, and coping strategies. This was appreciated by the audience and marked an important step in giving an agency to lived experience groups, reinforcing a person-centered approach to dementia care.
To encourage student participation, a quiz competition for postgraduates was conducted, with Dr. Aijaz Suhaff (Assistant Professor, Psychiatry) as Quiz Master.
Additionally, nursing students from Haneefa Nursing College Sopore staged a thought-provoking skit on dementia, which was widely appreciated by the audience.
The CME concluded with a Vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Aijaz, who acknowledged the efforts of the organizing committee and faculty.
A special highlight of the event was the presentation of a Lifetime Achievement Award to Dr. Sadaqat Rahman, who is due to superannuate in October.
In her address, Dr. Rahman expressed gratitude to the department and the organizing team for the honour.
The CME successfully brought together experts, faculty, students, and community members to highlight the importance of early detection, awareness, and comprehensive care in dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
