SINGAPORE - When his grandmother misplaced her things often, Mr Marius Sim suspected it was something more serious.

She was diagnosed with dementia after visiting a clinic, and Mr Sim’s family had to learn how to manage her condition as caregivers.

Mr Sim, 19, was one of more than 50 National University of Singapore (NUS) students from the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine engaging seniors on Dec 6 at Queenstown Community Centre.

They were there to promote early dementia detection and geriatric mental health awareness.

Free health screenings were done for Queenstown residents aged 50 and above, which evaluated their cognitive, behavioural, physical, and social wellbeing.

The one-day event is part of Project iRemember, which is a community health initiative started by NUS medical students in 2015.

Speaking about his grandmother who lives with his family, Mr Sim said: “We had to step up and keep a constant eye on her, making sure she didn’t forget to shower or eat. There are many basic things that people take for granted.”

Mr Sim said his experience made him realise how important it is to treat the elderly with dementia with compassion.

Dementia affects one in 11 Singaporeans aged 60 and above. Half of those aged 85 and above live with the condition.

Trained volunteers and NUS Medicine students at the event guided participants with on-site doctor consultations for urgent cases.

The students also referred seniors to suitable resources, like a nearby general practitioner or the project’s HealthyMinds programme. It offers mind-stimulating exercises and activities to boost social interaction between the senior participants.

Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Social and Family Development Eric Chua attended the event.