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World Alzheimer’s Day is celebrated on September 21 of each year to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s and Dementia. This day is celebrated to raise awareness and due to the severity of this disease, it is celebrated throughout the month in some countries. The 2020 theme is ‘Let’s talk about dementia’. Speaking on dementia, Dr Rajnish Kumar, Senior Consultant and Head of the Neurology Unit, Paras Hospitals, Gurugram said: “Since dementia is the theme of World Alzheimer’s Month, it has become crucial that people understand and encourage openness and discussion about dementia. According to the Lancet study, risk factors for dementia throughout life include early life education, hypertension, hearing impairment, obesity, smoking, depression, physical inactivity, diabetes and social isolation “.
He added: “Individualizing dementia care, providing support to family members, protecting people with dementia, and planning for the future, including end-of-life care, are all important things to consider. We need to keep in mind a curative treatment for Alzheimer’s disease. Early diagnosis and timely care of Alzheimer’s disease have been shown to improve the patient’s condition. The best possible care can only be achieved through discussion, destigmatization, early diagnosis, and prioritizing the needs of the patient and his family “. Emphasizing the importance of providing support and reaching out to dementia patients, especially in the midst of confinement, Dr. Shuchin Bajaj, founding director of the Ujala Cygnus Hospital Group, said that “older people suffering from dementia will be the most affected by the confinement. If you have someone in your family who suffers from dementia or you know someone in your neighborhood who is struggling with the condition, be sure to contact them. Many of them use adult day care centers, which will not be available during the closing “.
“The support groups they attend to cope with the condition will also not be in session. These services are essential to them and their unavailability will only add to their stress. Arrange a video conference or conference call with caregivers who can help them solving the problem with coping strategies. The next few days are going to be difficult for all of us and we must come together during these trying times, “added Dr. Bajaj. Speaking about the need for clear communication and effective collaboration with older people, she said: “Older people should be given all the support they need, and the above ideas are just a starting point. You can participate in conversations with your family. and neighbors in the future with their own plan of action. Through clear communication and effective collaboration, we can prevent the lockdown from affecting the physical and mental health of older people. “
Dr Apurva Sharma, Neurology Consultant, Columbia Asia Hospital, Palam Vihar Gurgaon, said: “Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive condition that leads to degeneration of brain cells that serve memory, navigation, language, care and the ability to plan. Caregivers find it difficult and stressful to manage needs and provide quality of life for the person with Alzheimer’s disease. ” “The COVID era has seen unexpected difficulties in diagnosis with limited or no physical assessment of the elderly, fear of sharing public space, health facilities, follow-ups and supervision. Salary cuts, loss of jobs and the Mental restlessness has plagued highly obligated caregivers. The inability of the sick to maintain understanding, follow the rules of detachment and hygiene makes them more vulnerable to the condition. Considering the costs and course of illness, especially among the elderly, let’s be prudent and take every precaution to avoid transmitting the disease to a large extent in society and also the places where they are being cared for, ”added Dr. Sharma.
