Tomorrow: World Alzheimer’s Day

The Ministry of Health and the Bermuda Hospitals Board invited the public to join them in recognizing World Alzheimer’s Day 2011 tomorrow [Sept.21].

The theme for World Alzheimer’s Day 2011 is ‘Faces of Dementia.’ World Alzheimer’s Day was launched on September 21st 1994 by Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI).

Minister of Health Zane DeSilva said, “Everyone is a little bit forgetful now and again – something we often dismiss as simply ‘getting older’ – but when memory loss starts to interfere with your daily life the Ministry of Health recommends that you consult with your doctor, in case what you are experiencing is a symptom of Alzheimer’s disease.”

“Your doctor can arrange for further investigation which may include a CT Scan, MRI or appointment with the neurologist. The sooner a person is diagnosed, the sooner they can start receiving treatment that will help slow down the progression of the disease.”

King Edward V11 Memorial Hospital  has a unit specifically designated to the care of those with Alzheimer’s. The Alzheimer’s and Related Disorders Unit (ARDU) at KEMH employs approximately 23 staff, comprising of registered nurses, nursing aides and orderlies to provide skilled care for 30 residents.

In addition, a multi-disciplinary team of healthcare providers, including a physiatrist, gerontologist, occupational therapist, physiotherapist, dietitian, social worker, psychologist and speech pathologist, meets the needs of residents.

ARDU residents participate in a range of stimulating daily activities that include art, games and singing and take part in community outings throughout the year.

“Family members are encouraged to visit and to bring in familiar items for their loved ones in order to keep their living space as homey as possible,” said Jean Gibbons, Clinical Manager for ARDU.

“When residents recognize a familiar person, you can see the happiness expressed on their face. Patients are in different stages of memory loss and some are still aware of what is happening on a daily basis.”

While there is no cure for Alzheimer’s, early treatment is the best way to slow memory loss and can also help people to continue carrying out daily tasks longer.

“If someone is having trouble remembering, it is often helpful to keep a note book,” advises Ms. Gibbons. “Include important contact numbers, people’s names, a to-do list of appointments, a map showing where home is and any important thoughts.”

Ms. Gibbons also suggests caregivers keep their interactions simple and supportive, as well as make adjustments to the environment to accommodate changes in a loved one’s condition.

“It’s important for caregivers to remember to take care of themselves. Join a support group, make use of available resources, keep stress to a minimum and prevent yourself from becoming the disease’s second victim,” add Ms. Gibbons.

Statistics, as provided by BHB:

• One in 29 people in Bermuda between the ages of 65 and 80 years has Alzheimer’s disease.
• One in five people over 80 years of age in Bermuda has Alzheimer’s disease in Bermuda
• For every 5000 people tested, 250 will prove to have Alzheimer’s disease.

Tips for caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s, as provided by BHB:

• Assess your home environment
• Adapt to your loved one’s limitations, rather than trying to teach him or her new skills
• Simplify activities
• Provide support for your loved one’s needs
• Keep medicines secure
• Remove artificial fruit and plants which may be mistaken for food
• Keep electrical appliances out of reach
• Turn off gas to stove
• Remover clutter
• Follow established routines
• Stimulate memory with familiar pictures, signs and personal items
• Aid memory with calendars, large clocks, etc.
• Keep environment quiet, calm and safe
• Relate observed changes to the physician
• Educate yourself about Alzheimer’s Disease
• Reinforce to others that the disease is causing the behaviour; it is not deliberate
• Attend closely to personal hygiene, urinary and bowel elimination
• Set a comfortable pace during activities of daily living to lessen negative behaviours

Possible Signs of Alzheimer’s, as provided by BHB:

• Memory Loss that Disrupts Daily Life
• Difficulty with problem solving or planning.
• Difficulty completing tasks (at home/work/hobbies)
• Confusion with Time/Place
• Trouble with images/spatial relationships
• Difficulty with Reading or writing
• Misplacing items & losing ability to retrace steps
• Decreased Judgment
• Withdrawal from Socializing
• Changes in Mood & Personality

#Health

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