Understanding Dementia

Amrita Patil Pimpale, a qualified Dementia Care Trainer and Founder of Echoing Healthy Ageing, a social enterprise working in Dementia care sector, provides consultation and training for families and healthcare professionals in order to sensitize them to care for elderly with dementia. Here she advocates methods on how to improve quality of life for dementia patients and their caregivers. As a dementia caregiver consultant, what are the tips and advice that you give caregivers to facilitate…

Every three seconds one person in the world develops dementia. Dr Amit Dias, an epidemiologist and geriatrician who is one of the leaders of  the dementia awareness movement in India, throws light on ADI’s ‘Remember Me’ campaign as the World observes the Alzheimer’s Awareness month in September. What does the ‘Remember Me’ campaign mean to you? ‘Remember Me’ is a global campaign initiated by Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI), UK that reminds me that I need to step up my efforts…

Sangeeta is a blogger who instills rare insight into her role of a caregiver. She not only chronicles the various methods which work for her father, who has Parkinson's, Dementia and Diplopia, but she backs it up with profound logic and common sense. The best part of her blog is her all-pervading humour which gives such a bitter sweet taste to her snippets of caregiving. Here are her top tips for handling medical emergencies and hospital stays.  My father  Anna was in a hospital for…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…