World Alzheimer’s Day today: Let’s talk about Dementia
| Date :21-Sep-2020 |
Principal Correspondent :
World Alzheimer’s Day is observed every year on September 21 to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. The theme for this year is ‘Let’s talk about Dementia’. Dementia is a term for conditions that occur when brain does not function properly and cause problems with memory, thinking and behavior. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of Dementia. Many important personalities including America’s Past President have suffered from this illness.
We are yet to understand all the reasons why some people develop Alzheimer’s disease while others do not. Advancing age is the greatest risk factor for developing Alzheimer’s disease. The majority of people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease are 65 or older. As the life expectancy is increasing, we are seeing more patients with Alzheimer’s Disease. There are about 50 million people with dementia in the world and approximately 4 out of 1,000 people have dementia in India and this will double in another 10 years. For some unknown reason, it is more common in women. Brain cells are damaged and over the period of time brain shrinks.
Symptoms depend on which part of brain is more affected. Forgetting recently learned information is one of the most common complaints of patients with Alzheimer’s disease. Others manifestations include forgetting important dates or events, asking same questions over and over, losing track of day, date, time and place, losing way to the house, difficulty with reading, unable to identify relatives and friends, problem with relationship, trouble following or joining a conversation, changes in judgment or decision-making. They have problems with performing day to day activities.
Person may withdraw from hobbies, social activities or other engagements, may experience mood and personality changes. They can become confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful or anxious. It is a progressive disease and condition of the patient deteriorates day by day. Some amount of memory loss is expected due to advancing age and that may not be Alzheimer’s disease. There are other causes of dementia. Vascular dementia wherein small blood vessels of the brain are blocked is common type. At present, there are no medicines to cure Alzheimer’s disease but with medicines some of the symptoms can be helped. Some types of dementia can be cured by medicines like dementia due to Vitamin B12 deficiency, dementia due to hypothyroidism.
Diet plays an important role in dementia. Vegetarian diet is low on vitamin B12, so it is advisable to take supplements through medicines. It is important to consult expert doctors to identify these treatable causes. Some persons complain of memory loss at the young age and it may be due to underlying stress. Caregivers and family members have huge responsivity to take care of persons with dementia, as they have to be taken care like a child. Physical and mental exercises are important for brain health. Abstinence from tobacco, smoking and alcohol, proper treatment of diabetes and hypertension, learning new things, developing hobbies and taking interest in social activities are important aspects to preserve memory and prevent dementia.
Today’s programme Indian Academy of Neurology, Nagpur Neuro Society, Psychiatry Society Nagpur, Orange City Cultural Foundation and Saptak have joined hands to celebrate World Alzheimer’s Day and highlight issues faced by people affected by dementia. A public education and awareness activity is planned through virtual meeting at 6.30 pm. today. Dr Sarosh Katrak, a senior neurologist from Mumbai will explain about memory and how to preserve it. Dr Mohan Agashe a renowned Psychiatrist and actor will inform about various manifestations of Alzheimer’s disease. He will also tell how to identify someone suffering from Dementia.
Actress Amruta Subhash and her mother Jyoti Subhash will highlight the experiences and the role of caregiver in dementia. Vidya Shenoy, secretary general of Alzheimer’s and Related Disorders Society of India will enlighten about environment and dementia. Dr Sudhir Bhave will anchor the event. Dr Chandrashekhar Meshram, convener of the event informs that Dr Mohan Agashe, Amruta Subhash and Jyoti Subhash have acted in the national award winning movie ‘Astu’ based on dementia. He has appealed to join in large numbers by clicking on the link www.streamtech.in/Alzheimersdaypap-Pramirol. After the talks, participant will get the chance to ask questions and interact with the faculty.