Cupertino, California: Two enterprising students from Homestead High School, Arhan Chakravarthy and Samik Thakur, have significantly impacted dementia awareness and policy through their initiative, Project Preserve. Launched in August 2024 under their school's Future Business Leaders of America club, the project addresses the often-overlooked issue of dementia in healthcare policies.
Key Facts:
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Legislative Advocacy: Their efforts contributed to the passage of the NAPA Reauthorization Act (HR 619) and the Alzheimer’s Accountability and Investment Act (HR 620).
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Educational Outreach: They produced a podcast, "The Mind Matters: Understanding Dementia," which attracted over 1,200 listeners.
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Community Engagement: Their interactive platform, Brain Boggle, designed to enhance cognitive skills, garnered over 500 unique visitors.
Chakravarthy and Thakur's advocacy extended beyond local efforts, as they actively promoted federal legislation to enhance dementia research and care funding. Their podcast featured experts in cognitive health, providing valuable insights into dementia care. The Brain Boggle platform offered users engaging activities to exercise cognitive functions and monitor progress.
The students also organized volunteer opportunities at Crescent Oaks Memory Care, enabling peers to engage with seniors through memory games and social activities. Their dedication earned recognition from officials, including U.S. Senator Adam Schiff and Congressman Ro Khanna, underscoring the impact of youth activism on critical health issues.
Their work not only raised awareness but also fostered empathy and understanding within the community, highlighting the importance of intergenerational connections. By addressing dementia—a condition affecting millions yet often marginalized—they have set a precedent for youth-led initiatives in public health.
Chakravarthy and Thakur's achievements exemplify how grassroots efforts can influence national policy and inspire communities to support vulnerable populations.
Do You Know? Dementia affects millions of Americans, yet it often lacks emphasis in healthcare policies, underscoring the importance of initiatives like Project Preserve.
Key Terms:
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NAPA Reauthorization Act (HR 619): Legislation aimed at continuing efforts to address Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.
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Alzheimer’s Accountability and Investment Act (HR 620): A law ensuring necessary resources for Alzheimer's research and care initiatives.