DATA (Dementia Alzheimer’s Treatment and Advocacy) is a student-led club dedicated to spreading awareness about dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, and supporting patients through meaningful contributions to the healthcare system. What began as a small initiative at Bangkok Patana School has grown into a movement of youth-driven advocacy and action.
This year, DATA took a major step forward by donating THB 50,000 to the Dementia Day Center at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital. This donation represents the result of three years of consistent fundraising, collaboration, and commitment. It reflects our belief that even small scale, student led efforts can directly improve the lives of patients suffering from neurodegenerative diseases.
During our hospital visit, we had the privilege of interviewing Associate Professor Sukcharoen Tangwongchai, M.D., the Head of the Dementia Day Center. He shared eye-opening insights into the scale of the issue. According to Dr. Sukcharoen, approximately six out of ten dementia cases in Thailand are caused by Alzheimer’s disease. Today, an estimated 600,000 people in Thailand are living with dementia.
Dr. Sukcharoen emphasised the importance of early awareness. He warned that lifestyle habits developed at a young age could increase the risk of developing dementia later in life. He said that drinking and smoking may cause dementia and advised young people to avoid excessive alcohol consumption early on. His message resonated strongly with our team, reinforcing the importance of combining medical support with public education.
Our fundraising success was driven by creative, student-led events that united the school community. This year, we organized a Clash Royale Tournament, following the popularity of last year’s Brawl Stars competition. These eSports events were not only fun and engaging, but also served as platforms to educate our peers about dementia. Through such activities, we raised awareness in a language young people understand—play, competition, and community.
In addition to these efforts, our outreach continued through DATA’s Instagram platform, where our content reached over 30,000 viewers. From short-form videos to infographics, our aim is to make knowledge more accessible and relatable.
As we prepare to pass on the leadership of DATA to the next generation of student advocates, we reflect with pride on the impact we have made. From bake sales to hospital donations, from memory game stalls to interviews with medical professionals, our journey has been rooted in the values of compassion, education, and real-world change.
We believe that every student has the power to make a difference. DATA’s mission remains clear: to raise awareness about dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, and to support the patients, families, and communities affected by them.