On July 27, 2024, Dewan Komuniti Taman Cempaka came alive with energy and excitement as 260 enthusiastic participants and 20 dedicated volunteers gathered for a groundbreaking event: Malaysia’s first Trivia Night dedicated to dementia awareness. This memorable evening, organized by Dementia Café Ipoh, The Dementia Society Perak, and Santunan Kasih Perak, aimed to shine a spotlight on dementia and raise funds for future awareness activities.
Dementia is an umbrella term for a range of symptoms associated with a decline in cognitive ability, impacting memory, thinking, and social skills severely enough to interfere with daily life. It affects millions globally and presents a significant challenge to individuals, families, and healthcare systems.
The event was especially timely given that the latest population estimates reveal Perak recorded the highest proportion of elderly residents aged 65 and above, at 9.7 percent. This demographic trend underscores the growing need for increased dementia awareness and support.
Though Pak Peter (Peter Buscher), the visionary behind Dementia Café Ipoh, couldn’t attend due to health reasons, his passion and commitment were palpable throughout the night. The event was a vibrant celebration of community spirit, bringing together a diverse group of attendees including dementia patients, cancer survivors, stroke survivors, family members, NGO members, Toastmasters, MGS students, caregivers, and locals from Ipoh. The camaraderie and shared purpose created a warm, inclusive atmosphere that highlighted the power of collective action.
Master of ceremonies Mr. KT Pillai dazzled the crowd with his wit and charisma, ensuring the event was both entertaining and engaging. The evening began with a heartfelt introduction by Mr. Simon Lam, a nurse practitioner in Forensic Psychiatry, who eloquently described the journey of dementia awareness as “The Yellow Brick Road,” symbolizing the love and support needed for families and care partners. His words set a reflective tone for the night, emphasizing the importance of understanding and inclusivity.
Prof. Dr. Esther Gunasegali, President of the Dementia Society Perak, followed with a compelling speech about the urgent need to address the growing number of dementia cases. Puan Nor Aida Nazeri, Deputy Principal of MGS, and Dr. Suresh Subramaniam, Chairman of the Malaysian Medical Association Perak, also shared impactful messages on prevention and active aging.
The evening’s fundraising goal of RM6,000 was not only met but surpassed, with over RM10,000 raised to support future dementia awareness initiatives. This incredible achievement was made possible by generous contributions from industry partners like Vinda Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., Restaurant Maharaj Ipoh, Sunshine Qualicare Sdn. Bhd., Ngan Nyin Thumbs, and Infinitas Technologies (M) Sdn Bhd, along with anonymous donations from individuals who wished to remain unnamed.
Participants left with thoughtful gifts including Tena adult diapers and Discreet products, thanks to Vinda Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. The event’s highlight was undoubtedly the thrilling raffle draw, featuring a wheelbarrow filled with an array of prizes, adding a touch of excitement and anticipation to the night.
The trivia rounds were a hit, with teams energetically competing to answer questions and showcase their knowledge. One particularly challenging round required participants to identify songs from brief snippets, including a classic made famous by Rose Chan. The competitive spirit and enthusiasm in the room were infectious, demonstrating the fun and engagement that made the night special.
Overall, Trivia Night was an overwhelming success, filled with joy, learning, and a strong sense of community. For those who missed this inaugural event, don’t miss out next time. Join us for another round of Trivia Night to continue championing dementia awareness and enjoy an evening of fun and togetherness.
