National Pingtung University of Science and Technology (NPUST) has partnered with the Pingtung County Public Health Bureau to bring dementia-friendly health education into local schools, helping children better understand dementia and develop empathy toward older adults.
On September 16, NPUST’s Sustainable Healthcare Center visited Linluo Elementary School in Pingtung County for an interactive dementia-awareness program. The initiative was carried out in collaboration with the Linluo Township Health Center and featured Dr. Yu-Ming Chen from the Department of Psychiatry at Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital as the guest speaker.
Using the illustrated books So That’s How It Is and So That’s How It Is 2 as teaching tools, Dr. Chen introduced dementia concepts through accessible storytelling, real-life examples, and interactive activities. Students also took part in role-playing, bringing the stories to life and creating an engaging learning environment.
The program introduced students to the 10 warning signs of dementia, using familiar situations to explain symptoms such as confusion about time and place and difficulty making everyday judgments—for example, knowing when to cross the street safely. Dr. Chen encouraged students to pay attention to subtle changes in older family members and friends and reassured them that dementia is not something to fear. Understanding the condition and knowing when and how to seek medical help can empower families to respond with greater confidence and care.
Students were encouraged to take what they learned home and share knowledge about healthy lifestyles and dementia prevention with their families. Through these small actions, they can become “dementia-friendly little ambassadors,” helping support and care for older family members.
Teachers at Linluo Elementary School welcomed the initiative, noting that medical topics such as dementia can initially seem difficult for elementary students. They said Dr. Chen’s approachable, everyday explanations helped make the subject accessible and sparked enthusiastic participation. Teachers also expressed hope that students would carry the empathy they developed through the program into their family lives.
NPUST’s Sustainable Healthcare Center said it will continue bringing dementia-friendly education to schools across Pingtung. Through storytelling and age-appropriate activities, the university hopes to help young people understand dementia, develop empathy, and learn how to provide meaningful support to older adults in their families and communities.