DOHA: Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) is supporting World Alzheimer’s Month with a series of public awareness events being held throughout September.
All events underpin the global campaign theme of ‘Let’s Talk About Dementia’. World Alzheimer’s Month is the international campaign held every September to raise awareness and challenge the stigma that surrounds dementia.
The campaign was launched in 2012 by ADI, which designated 21 September as World Alzheimer’s Day.
According to Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI), dementia affects 50 million people worldwide, with a new case of the syndrome occurring somewhere in the world every three seconds.
Awareness
While awareness of dementia has risen in the past decade, more knowledge and understanding of the condition, and its underlying diseases, is needed.
Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease are often used interchangeably to describe several symptoms and issues related to brain health and functioning; however, Alzheimer’s is a specific disease, whereas dementia describes a group of symptoms associated with a decline in memory, reasoning, or other thinking skills.
Dr Essa Al Sulaiti, Medical Director of Home Health Care Services at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) and Deputy National Lead of Healthy Ageing, explained that every case of Alzheimer’s-related dementia is unique to the individual experiencing it.
“While individuals with the disease exhibit a general loss of memory and cognitive thinking, additional symptoms include changes in mood and/or behavior, disorientation, and general confusion. The gradual loss of the ability to speak or hold conversations can be a source of agitation for the person with Alzheimer’s and their family. Physiological symptoms can include difficulty walking or swallowing.”
He added: “The worsening of all symptoms over time can result in the inability to participate in activities, including personal care and the normal requirements of daily life. A person with Alzheimer’s disease may not recognize familiar people, places, or things, which can be very distressing to families,” said Al Sulaiti.
Risk factors and causes
There are several risk factors and causes of dementia, including specific events like a stroke or heart attack, as well as genetic mutations or infections. Although some risk factors, such as age or genes, cannot be changed, other lifestyle-related changes can help reduce risk factors of dementia.
“Though there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, early diagnosis can ensure prompt treatment of symptoms. Medications for behavioral changes, memory loss, and depression and related remedies that aim to increase functionality within the brain can be effective treatments. Treatment is aimed predominantly at increasing the quality of life of the patient and can be very helpful to the primary caregiver,” said Al Sulaiti.