Juniper
The launch presented some of the first few persons living with dementia (PLWDs) participating in The Forget Me Not Project with support kits in efforts to creating a more inclusive retail environment
Megah Rise Mall and Alzheimer’s Disease Foundation Malaysia (ADFM) launched their World Alzheimer’s Month 2026 programme, marking the start of a weekend of community engagement activities aimed at raising awareness and fostering greater understanding of dementia. A key highlight of the event was the unveiling of The Forget Me Not Project, an initiative introduced by PPB Properties, the owner and manager of Megah Rise Mall, in collaboration with ADFM. The long-term initiative is being implemented in phases at Megah Rise Mall as part of its efforts to become dementia-friendly and create a more inclusive and accessible environment for people living with dementia, their families and carers.
The project combines ADFM’s expertise in dementia advocacy, education and community support with PPB Properties’ commitment to inclusive placemaking. Measures implemented under the project include
dementia-friendly support kits and Basic Dementia Care Staff Intensive Training for frontline mall personnel, complemented by community engagement activities that promote dementia awareness and
understanding.
World Alzheimer’s Month is observed globally every September to raise awareness, challenge the stigma surrounding dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, and encourage greater understanding and support for those “We’re now less than four years away from the very somber milestone of a predicted 78 million people living with dementia globally by 2030. And yet, despite this astronomical number, we see low awareness and stigma surrounding dementia pervading in many communities across the globe,” said Chris Lynch, acting CEO of Alzheimer’s Disease International in his video speech played during the launch.
“This year’s celebration is made even more significant by the launch of The Forget Me Not Project, which marks an important milestone in our partnership with PPB Properties towards making Megah Rise Mall
a dementia-friendly mall,” said Tan Sri Hasmah Abdullah, Chairperson of the Executive Committee of Alzheimer’s Disease Foundation Malaysia.
“It takes vision and leadership for a commercial property to go beyond its traditional role as a shopping destination and embrace its responsibility as part of the wider community. We are grateful for the
commitment and cooperation shown by the PPB Properties and Megah Rise Mall teams, and hope this initiative will continue to grow into a sustainable model that inspires other malls, businesses and communities throughout Malaysia,” she said.
Inspired by the forget-me-not flower, an internationally recognized symbol of dementia awareness, The Forget Me Not Project represents a promise that persons living with dementia are not forgotten, but
recognised, respected and supported as valued members of the community.
To celebrate World Alzheimer’s Month 2026, two days of interactive community activities centered on this year’s theme will take place at the Level 3 Concourse from 5 to 6 September, 11am to 5pm.
Activities such as sharing sessions, performances, music therapy and caregiver engagement will help educate the public on dementia, caregiving and healthy ageing. Visitors can also access complimentary
basic health screenings and influenza vaccinations for eligible senior citizens aged 60 years and above by Jabatan Kesihatan Negeri Selangor (JKNS), as well as cognitive assessments by medical professionals
and various health and wellness booths.
One of the highlights of the event is the annual Memory Walk, which will be held on 5 September 2026 at 10:30am. The large-scale symbolic walk brings community members together with persons living with
dementia and their families, showing solidarity and remembering loved ones affected by the condition. To further raise dementia awareness, the World Alzheimer’s Month 2026 celebrations will continue with
another weekend of community activities at Cheras LeisureMall on 26 and 27 September 2026, from 11am to 5pm.
For more information on The Forget Me Not Project, please visit PPB Properties’ website or social media platforms.
