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Thursday, April 19, 2007

Alzheimer or a simple problem of Forgetfulness?

If elderly people have a problem with their memory is it possible that they may be developing Alzheimer's disease.(अल्ज्हेइमेर'एस दिसेअसे).

Part 1 / पार्ट १ .

Simple forgetfulness should not be confused with memory loss due to a disease।

The American Alzheimer's Association has developed these "10 warning signs" to look for to see if a person maybe developing this disease।
1।Is memory loss affecting job skills?
2।Does it affect the ability to perform familiar tasks?
3।Are there problems with language, such as finding the right words for familiar objects?
4।Is there frequent disorientation as to where and what time of day it is?
5।Is judgment poor or decreased?
6।Are there consistent problems with abstract thinking?
7।Are familiar objects frequently misplaced?
8।Are there noticeable changes in mood or behavior?
9।Are there noticeable changes in personality?
10।Is there a loss of initiative?

If these are the signs then one should consult and take the advice of the most experienced physician possible।
Alzheimer’s disease is not the only cause of memory loss and / or confusion। Other disorders, including depression, reactions to certain drugs, a series of small strokes (called multi-infarct dementia), hearing problems, vitamin deficiencies, and certain tumors and infections may look just like Alzheimer’s disease to friends and relatives, but are much more treatable।

Part 2 / पार्ट २

Have you often gone into a room and wondered why you came there in the first place? Do you frequently "misplace" your keys?Do not blame it on "Old Age"।
Here are some things you could do to get over simple forgetfulness।

१) Make a place in your house to put those things you frequently misplace। Make it a point to always keep your keys, wallet, ration card, milk card etc. in that place.

२) Though some things are better done by routine, try to do things differently, which will encourage the brain to work, and break the monotony। For example take a simple detour to reach the same place. Button your shirt from down to up. Read the newspaper from the last page.

३) Start using a note pad to jot down things you have to do, or phone numbers, details of bills and so on। Try to always carry this pad and a pen with you.

४) Organise yourself and get into the habit of putting things in their places। For example if you use a pair of scissors and forget to put it back, you may have to spend a lot of time looking for it.

५) Do not postpone anything that can be done just then। That way you will not have a chance to forget to do it.

६) While doing something you need to remember later, repeat to yourself that you are doing it। For example if you have deposited a cheque in the bank, tell yourself more than once "I have deposited the cheque in the bank". Even if you have to do somethimg you could say to yourself more than once "The electricity bill has to be paid tomorrow".

७) If you have to do something important, remember to leave reminder notes for yourself in places you will not miss seeing।

८) If you find yourself in a room wondering why you came there, try going back to the place where you came from। This usually brings back your memory.

९) Create a mental picture of what you have to do. For example if you have to pick up your grandchild from school, imagine the scene where you are picking him up and bringing him home. This kind of visualisation helps you remember.


http://www.seniorindian.com/alzheimers_disease.htm

and

http://www.seniorindian.com/forgetfulness.htm

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