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Jan Wood Correspondent
It is important to create national awareness of dementia to dispel myth and stigma associated with the disease.

Education and training of personnel involved with people with dementia is essential and at all levels of service; in particular, those responsible for the care of patients and their families.

It is important that people realise that Alzheimer’s is a disease and not a normal part of aging. There should be no stigma attached to this disease and love and support is essential to the patients and those who have the task of caring for them as Alzheimer’s disease not only affects the person themselves, but also impacts greatly on families, carers, communities and societies on a local and international scale.

On May 29, 2017, after 10 years of continuous advocacy for a global response to the growing dementia crisis, the World Health Organisation (WHO) adopted a global plan on dementia.

It calls on governments to meet targets for the advancement of dementia awareness, risk reduction, diagnosis, care and treatment, support for care partners and research. The plan was approved in Geneva at the 70th World Health Assembly in 2017.

What is dementia?

Dementia is a progressive, degenerative brain disorder that affects memory, thinking, behaviour and emotion. Dementia knows no social, economic, ethnic or geographical boundaries and affects people across the globe. As dementia progresses individuals affected need care with all aspects of daily life.

Dementia is caused by a number of diseases which produce changes in the brain resulting in the ultimate loss of nerve cells (neurons).

Most kinds of dementia have similar symptoms including:

• Loss of memory

• Problems with thinking and planning

• Difficulties with language

• Failure to recognise people or objects

• A change of personality

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia and accounts for up to 65 percent of all cases and is caused by brain tissue changes.

International studies make it clear that dementia occurs in every country of the world. Dementia affects 1 in 20 people over the age of 65 and 1 in 5 over the age of 80.

Dementia affects 50 million people worldwide — a number that will almost triple by 2050. More than half of all people with dementia live in low and middle income countries, where as few as 10 percent of individuals receive a diagnosis. In 2018, dementia will become a trillion-dollar disease.

Recognition of the early

symptoms of dementia

Dementia is surrounded by stigma and myth. Many people see the early symptoms of dementia as a normal consequence of ageing. Recognising the symptoms of dementia is the first step towards receiving a diagnosis which aids understanding and can help to reduce the anxiety of people with dementia and their family and friends.

Currently there is no cure for Alzheimer’s and other dementias but there is a wealth of advice, support and information available. There is life after diagnosis!

A diagnosis of dementia brings with it changes to the life you had planned. It can mean reassessing your priorities and adjusting your lifestyle to manage any symptoms you may experience.

Planning ahead is important so that you can have a say in your future. Get your affairs in order and appoint a Power of Attorney to act on your behalf when you are no longer able to manage your affairs yourself.

Staying involved in physical, mental and social activities will keep people with a diagnosis functioning at their best.

Eat as much fresh fruit and vegetable as possible. Take Vitamin supplements like Vitamin B complex and Omega 3. Pilchards are a good affordable source of Omegas. Keep your brain active and stimulated with word games, crosswords or Sudoku.

Listen to music that you enjoy and sing along. It is good to learn something new. Exercise as much as possible and get plenty of fresh air and a little sunshine is a valuable source of Vitamin D.

Keeping your relative healthy and active

It is common for people with dementia to withdraw from activities that they previously enjoyed. Some lose the ability to plan their time and organise themselves to participate. They may lose confidence in their abilities, and fear embarrassment.

Keeping your relative involved in activities and responsibilities around the home and in the community can:

• Provide opportunities for enjoyment and pleasure

• Maintain existing skills and abilities

• Encourage independence

• Create a feeling of self-worth and accomplishment

• Reduce boredom and depression.

You may need to adjust your expectations or give extra support to your relative. The progression of dementia is unique for each individual. The symptoms experienced depend on the parts of the brain affected by the illness, the person’s past personality and life experiences, and their environment. Over the course of the illness changes in behaviour and personality may occur.

It is really important that the carer looks after themselves in order to best cope with the challenges that they will experience. Talk about it with family and friends and seek support. Dementia is a ‘journey’ and it may be a long one but not one that you need to, or should, travel alone.

If you are worried about your memory or know of someone who needs help please contact by email [email protected] or go to ZARDA HARARE on Facebook