World Alzheimer's Day (Dedicated to all care tenders/caregivers)

I thought I had to walk the path alone 

It wasn’t a path that I was familiar with 

I didn’t want to walk it alone 

But then you came along

You took hold of my hand 

You made the time to talk to me 

You wiped my tears 

You fed me when I couldn’t myself

You repeated many a statement

And treated me with patience 

There are many things that my memory fails

But these are precious memories that I have of you

I may not be able to retrieve this moment. 

But to know that you walk beside me 

In a path that I thought I had to walk alone 

Is more than enough for me 

Bust the stigma 

Today, the 21st of September marks World Alzheimer’s day. In some countries, general awareness campaigns run throughout the month of September where it is observed as the month for Alzheimer’s.

Even though we live in a technological era where there is much information available at the tip of our fingers, there is a lot of stigma attached to Alzheimer’s. There are many organizations that have recognised this lack of general knowledge and general awareness of Alzheimer’s and have taken up the cause to challenge certain notions and fight the stigma that the world has about this illness. And it is important that we know certain facts about Alzheimer’s so that we can dispel the darkness surrounding it. 

What is Alzheimer’s?

Alzheimer’s is a decline in the capacity of the brain to control thought, memory, speech etc and hence affects human behaviour. The preliminary symptoms begin with forgetfulness and confusion. It is a condition that acts very slowly where degeneration of brain cells with age results in progressive dementia. Dementia in simple terms is the loss of cognitive functioning.  

Now let's look at some facts:

Fact # 1 

It is not a disease of old age: Yes the effects are greatest on older adults, but contrary to popular belief, signs or indication of Alzheimer’s begins 20 years before the symptoms emerge.  Here’s the good news: Certain lifestyle changes such as regular workouts, staying connected to a community and a heart-healthy diet, can reduce the risk of cognitive decline.

Fact # 2 

Care is critical: Sometimes Alzheimer’s causes confusion, fear and frustration in some people. With the right care, it is possible for people with Alzheimer’s to live engaged and happy lives even if they are away from their family and are put up in a senior citizen’s home. When caregivers are able to understand the patient and communicate with them clearly, they can help the patient cope with their environment much better. It then becomes possible for the patient to enjoy a better quality of life and the caregiver too will be able to enjoy the reward of their labours.  

How do we bust the stigma? 

Use your voice: Speak Up! Word of mouth is a powerful tool in influencing people’s thoughts about Alzheimer’s as it is with various other issues. If you are a blog writer, write about it. If you are in any sort of media, then propagate awareness at all costs. Write to the local newspaper of your experiences with a loved elderly one struggling with Alzheimer’s. Remember the more we bring such issues into the open,  the more people will find the freedom to express their apprehensions of what they themselves are going through in terms of having to deal with a senior citizen dealing with Alzheimer’s.

Do not tolerate jokes about Alzheimer’s: Please don’t join the bandwagon of people who use terms such as ‘ he’s losing it ‘or ‘she’s losing it’. It would be wise to zip our mouths when it comes to jabbing jokes about Alzheimer’s.

Preserve their dignity and respect them: In order to preserve the dignity of a person going through Alzheimer’s, it is important to imagine yourself in their shoes and to deepen one’s understanding about the illness. Neglecting their overall care and leaving them with nothing to do will rob them of their self-worth. 

We at www. 60plusindia.com can help with some sort of assistance with your senior loved one struggling with Alzheimer’s. Please feel free to contact us at the following numbers ….

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