Understanding Dementia

Stories

  • Fall Proofing the Home for Older Adults
    Falls are probably the number one cause of injuries in seniors resulting in high medical and rehabilitative costs. Porrselvi A.P. a cognitive and psychosocial interventions specialist, offers valuable tips and suggestions for preventing falls at home, from installing handrails and anti-skid mats to decluttering the house and wearing sturdy footwear. Falls can lead to avoidable hospital admissions and the associated complications for elderly with a good health status as well as those older…
  • Coping with Difficult Dementia Behaviours
    The most effective way to manage difficult behaviours in dementia and keep stress at bay for family, friends and caregivers is acceptance, patience and calmness, recommends Porrselvi A.P. a cognitive and psychosocial interventions specialist. Many people with dementia undergo changes in behaviour during the course of the disease. These changes are unexpected, awkward, difficult to understand and are termed problem or deviant behaviour.  These sudden behavioural changes can be challenging…
  • Advanced Parkinson’s Stage
    As Parkinson’s progresses, your symptoms might also change. Your current symptoms might become more severe, and new symptoms might also develop. You may feel that the medication may not be as effective in controlling the symptoms as they were before as a result you may find that you require help from others to do your routine activities like dressing, eating, bathing etc. Certain symptoms like poor balance, difficulty walking and fear of falling may prevent you from being able to leave our…
  • Dementia Friendly Communities are essential to offer societal support to those affected
    Dr Sudhir Kumar, a consultant with specialisation in old age psychiatry and neuropsychiatric disorders discusses his views on the importance of Dementia Friendly Communities (DFCs) and how India needs to work more towards it Dementia-friendly communities help people with dementia feel included and supported in the day to day surrounding – the places they work, live and play  A dementia-friendly community focuses on spreading awareness about dementia and providing a safe and supportive…
  • Forget Us Not Handbook in English and Mandarin
    PatientsEngage is happy to support 'Forget Us Not', a joint initiative by Lien Foundation and Khoo Teck Puat Hospital. They have put together this guide in English and Mandarin to help persons with dementia live dignified lives. This is part of the plan to build Dementia-Friendly Communities in Singapore. The 'Forget Us Not' initiative will foster a kampong spirit where we come together to help one another. The information and tools in this guide is only a first step. If you would like to do…
  • The Tough and Tender Caregiver
    Many caregivers feel guilty and think it is wrong to get tough with their loved ones, even if the intention is to help in the long run. Maya Ramachandran delves into the dilemma with a personal account. As caregivers, we are concerned about the health of our loved one. We assist with the care of/take care of our loved one, in the midst of many other responsibilities that we are required to fulfil. Sometimes, the patient is uncooperative or simply stubborn to a point of no return. What do we do…
  • Music Therapy in Dementia: How Effective is it?
    A look at how music tends to make life so much better for those suffering from dementia “Music has power for individuals with all types of dementias and it can spark convincing outcomes at any stage of the disease when used appropriately. For example, the type/choice or duration of music at each stage of the disease has to be taken into account”, says Nilanjana Maulik, Secretary General of ARDSI (Alzheimer’s and Related Disorders Society of India), Kolkata. Most people enjoy music, but can it…
  • I never wanted my mother to go into a dementia care home
    Carol D’Souza, a consulting psychologist, recounts her mother’s advancing dementia and how she and her family made peace with the agonizing decision to put her in a care home. Putting my mother in a Home was one of the most difficult decisions made by my family and me. Onset of dementia seemed so sudden for her; it started with bizarre behavior of her staying awake all night – worrying about all sorts of things she absolutely did not need to.  Her life had turned into a…
  • Palliative care in Kerala - lessons and answers
    With a palliative care policy formulated in 2008, Kerala has become a path-breaker and a model for the rest of the country. Professor Devi Vijay of IIM Calcutta provides some insights into this community-based aspect of health care.  1. What can the rest of the country learn from the success of the Kerala palliative care story?How can other countries and communities leverage this community-based model?  There are several elements of the Kerala palliative care movement worth examining…
  • It is important to talk to people with dementia
    Talk to your loved one with dementia; talk to others in your shoes, says Melissa Chan, founder of Project We Forgot, which supports caregivers of patients with Alzheimer’s and dementia. Please share your encounter with Alzheimer’s Disease.  I was about 14 when my dad was diagnosed at age 53. Initially, we were confused because his family had no history of the disease but later the doctors pinned it down to the late-onset of effects caused by a car accident he had…