Dr. David Oludare Mark Advocates for Dementia Awareness

World Alzheimer’s Day 2026 is observed with the theme “The Earlier You Know, the More You Can Do: A Dementia Diagnosis Matters,” focusing on raising awareness about dementia and reducing social stigma. Dr. David Oludare Mark, a Principal Officer at Family Ark Mission, prepared a paper titled “From awareness to action: building dementia-friendly communities.” He highlights that dementia is not a normal part of aging and emphasizes the need for society to treat individuals with respect, recognizing their life stories beyond their symptoms.

Mark explains that cognitive decline can severely affect daily life, leading to neglect and exploitation of vulnerable individuals. He stresses the importance of advocacy for the rights and dignity of those with dementia, suggesting that caregivers and communities should engage individuals in meaningful ways.

Mark calls for a stronger support system to protect the rights of those unable to advocate for themselves due to cognitive impairment.