Dementia Friends

At 101-year-old Dabirul Choudhury has become the world’s oldest Dementia Friend.

The East End pensioner takes over the mantle from the late Max Levitas, veteran of the Battle of Cable Street who was 100 when he took the title.

Sprightly 101-year-old Dabirul Choudhury has become the world’s oldest Dementia Friend.

The East End pensioner takes over the mantle from the late Max Levitas, veteran of the Battle of Cable Street who was 100 when he took the title.

The centenarian has now gone on to be a Dementia Friend to help raise public awareness that people with the condition can continue living in the community.

“I’m still fit and healthy and able to help people,” Dabirul assured. “This is a blessing.

“I’ve learned interesting information about dementia to help others and will wear my badge with pride!”

Dementia Friends visit people with the condition and also take part in open information sessions to inspire others to help.

He took over the role of world’s oldest Dementia Friend from former Tower Hamlets councillor Max Levitas who died in 2018 aged 103. Max was an ardent campaigner who took part in the 1936 Battle of Cable Street, when East Enders joined forces and prevented Mosley’s Blackshirt fascists marching through Whitechapel.

The Alzheimer’s Society’s ‘Friends’ programme aims to change people’s perceptions and transform the way the nation thinks, acts and talks about the condition.