Along with scientifically maturing our idea, our team also focused on knowing real world issues and awareness among people. For this, our team visited doctors, conducted surveys among people and also looked upon the people who served as caregivers, both professional and family members, to the affected.
During one public survey session on the streets of Bangalore, we were keen to know about the awareness of people, and how well they know about dementia and AD. Our team found out that several people don’t even know that AD is prevalent in our country, and they just assume dementia to be a natural consequence of normal ageing. With this, we realised that there is a lot more to do in terms of awareness. People need to be educated about dementia, ageing and Alzheimer’s, and only then can we think of explaining our work and its importance to the common public.
We also had an indirect public response regarding these matters during IISc's Open Day. We had a diverse crowd, ranging from people who could delve into the molecularity of our work and its effects, whereas some people who were unaware that AD is not just a simple dementia. This was a small representation of the range of awareness and how we need to adapt in order to reach a larger audience and create an impact. We received important feedback from visitors, both scientific and societal.
In order to receive first-hand information and experience dealing with affected people, our teammates went to meet doctors and staff. Shouvik and Shripad visited Dr. R. Umashankar at the Bangalore Neuro Centre, for knowing his expertise and experience in this area. We were able understand the seriousness of this issue, especially when AD affects movement. Caregivers and families run through a state of turmoil and have a constant mental stress, which sometimes deteriorates their health too. The professionals also provided us with feedback on our idea, and aspects we should consider to work upon in the future.