SEPTEMBER REMEMBERS: Alzheimer’s, Floods & Forgotten Elders

Every September is observed as Alzheimer’s Month, a condition that quietly steals memories, relationships and independence. This September, however, in Jammu & Kashmir, we are reminded of another kind of memory: the collective trauma of floodwaters rising around us, the fear of cloudbursts, the frustration of waterlogged streets. For our seniors, both experiences, personal memory loss and collective disaster, strike at the heart of what it means to feel safe, connected, and cared for.

Floods Outside, Floods Inside

When rivers overflow or rain refuses to stop, homes are shaken, routines disrupted, and the familiar becomes strange. Seniors often find this disorienting. Now imagine living with dementia or Alzheimer’s in the middle of such chaos. A man with fading memory may not recognize why neighbors are rushing to higher ground. A woman with Alzheimer’s may resist evacuation, insisting she must “wait for her children” who no longer live there.

Floods outside mirror floods inside, sudden, overwhelming, and deeply unsettling. Just as waterlogging drowns familiar lanes, dementia drowns familiar faces and names. Both leave a residue of helplessness.

Double Burden on Seniors

In disasters, seniors are always among the most vulnerable. Reduced mobility makes it harder to wade through water or climb to safety. Chronic illnesses require medicines that might get wet, lost, or cut off by supply chain disruptions. For those living with Alzheimer’s, there is the additional burden of confusion and fear.

During the September 2014 floods in Kashmir, I remember several of my patients refusing to leave their homes because they were living with Alzheimer’s and could not comprehend the urgency. Many other seniors were unable to evacuate due to dependence on daily medicines, especially insulin, which became difficult to access amidst the chaos. There were also challenges of immobility, lack of transport, and the absence of caregivers who themselves were stranded. Some elders were left anxious and disoriented without electricity, safe drinking water, or familiar routines. Such experiences remind us that disaster preparedness must always have a senior-focused lens, addressing not just evacuation but also continuity of medicines, mobility assistance, emotional reassurance, and basic necessities.

Lessons We Must Learn

This September, as the world talks about Alzheimer’s, we in J&K must talk about it in the context of our climate realities. Floods are not rare anymore. Cloudbursts are not headlines from far away — they are here. So how do we prepare our seniors, especially those with dementia, for such times?

Simple Identity Cards: Seniors with Alzheimer’s should carry waterproof identity cards with their name, address, and caregiver contact. In the chaos of floods, this small card can be life-saving.
Medicine Kits: Families must prepare water-proof medicine pouches for elders, with essential pills and insulin. For memory-impaired seniors, medicines should be clearly labeled with time and dosage.
Familiar Comforts: A blanket, a family photo, or a prayer bead can reduce anxiety in seniors forced to leave their homes. These “anchors” are as important as food and water.
Community Volunteers: During disasters, young volunteers can be trained not just in rescue but also in how to gently handle elders who may be resistant, fearful, or disoriented.
Emotional Flood

Disasters don’t just destroy houses; they shake mental health. Seniors often carry the hidden weight of seeing their world collapse yet again. Combine this with Alzheimer’s, and you see how fragile dignity can become. In community shelters, seniors may wander, forget toilets, or ask the same question repeatedly. Sadly, this sometimes leads to irritation or neglect. But if there is one thing both Alzheimer’s and floods teach us, it is humility. The waters remind us of our smallness. Alzheimer’s reminds us of the fragility of memory. Both demand compassion, not impatience.

Small Steps Seniors Can Take

For seniors reading this, here are some simple practices for both disaster preparedness and memory well-being:

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  Keep an emergency kit ready: medicines, ID card, torch, water bottle, extra spectacles, hearing aids, and some ready-to-eat food in waterproof bags.
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  Store important contacts: keep a small diary with phone numbers of family, neighbors, doctors, and local emergency helplines.
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  Make medicines accessible: always keep at least a month’s supply of essential medicines and insulin in waterproof containers.
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  Know your safe spots: identify higher floors, nearest safe shelters, and keep a simple plan with family or neighbors in case of evacuation.
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  Practice daily brain exercises: crosswords, storytelling, recalling old songs, or learning a new skill — even simple memory games keep the mind active.
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  Stay socially connected: regular conversations with friends, family, or community groups reduce isolation, which worsens both disaster stress and memory decline.
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  Stay physically active: light walking, stretching helps keep balance and mobility strong — important during emergencies.
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  Don’t ignore symptoms: if you notice persistent forgetfulness, confusion, or sudden changes in mood or sleep, seek medical advice early.
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  Stay updated: listen to reliable news sources or official alerts, avoid rumors that can cause panic or misinformation.
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  Reach out for help: never hesitate to ask neighbors, community volunteers, or local authorities if you need assistance.

Insulin Tip: Most insulin stays safe at room temperature (below 25°C) for up to 28 days. Keep it in a cool, shaded place, no need to panic if the fridge isn’t working.

Medicine Tip: Store medicines in waterproof pouches. Keep at least a week’s supply handy, along with a list of dosages.

Water Tip: Always boil drinking water or use chlorine tablets. Avoid untreated water, even if it looks clear.

Mobility Tip: If you have walking difficulties, keep a stick, walker, or support ready near your bed. Inform neighbors or family about your mobility needs. Keep reading specs, hearing aids and dentures handy.

From Waterlogging to Wisdom

Yes, our streets are waterlogged, and yes, our society often feels equally clogged with neglect. But every flood teaches us to rise. Every September reminds us that memory matters. And perhaps the best tribute we can pay to Alzheimer’s awareness is this: not letting our ageing parents and grandparents become the forgotten ones in our own families.

Just as the floodwaters eventually recede, so too must the tide of indifference. For when a society remembers its seniors with respect, compassion, and preparedness, it not only saves lives — it saves its own soul.