2. Early diagnosis and intervention
Objectives:
Encourage family members to take the elderly to a doctor in time without waiting for the Disease to progress and obtain necessary medical care.
Comments/suggestions
§ How to promote early diagnosis
o Through workshops for training professionals for diagnosis in urban and rural areas.
o Organize memory clinics and camps
Sunday, June 14, 2009
1. Improve awareness/ Advocacy
The below are some of the points discussed in the meeting that needs to be a part of the National Dementia Strategy. The points have been categorized under various headings, with each topic in a different page.
1. Improve awareness/ Advocacy
Objectives:
Improved public and professional Awareness of dementia among GPs, healthcare skilled/semi-skilled professionals (nursing, physiotherapists, SLPs), healthcare policy makers and media resulting in better understanding of the disease and its care.
Mobilize support from government, foundations, public and private sector organizations, and philanthropists
Generate interest in students and younger faculty members to contribute time and services, as a society that does not provide necessary social services to its members is doomed to fail.
Comments/suggestions
§ Type of messages
o Simple messages on Alzheimer's Disease
o The awareness should focus on different components such as diagnosis, treatment etc
§ Where the messages should be given
o Make use of as many media as possible
o Public - National Social Service (NSS) of Universities, all service organizations, senior citizen forums, police, bar associations, schools and colleges, local self governments, NRHM, social work colleges, management institutes
o Media – documentaries in theatres, street theatre, TV, newspaper, FM radio. Use print and electronic media, public hoardings in PHCs and hospitals,
o Include dementia in as many public awareness programs as possible
o Include information about Alzheimer's Disease in the curriculum of medical colleges for doctors, nurses, Social Science and supportive health care personnel
o Target conferences of medical professionals, nursing bureaus and home care services, RMPs,
o There should be a comprehensive website
§ Content of the messages
o The goal of awareness should be very clear from the outset and there should be a distinction between what is a public health approach and what accounts for individual strategy (care giving is a individual strategy while generic awareness of the disease is a public health strategy).
o Differentiation between normal aging and age associated memory impairment (AAMI) and benign senescent forgetfulness (BSF) of normal aging process.
o Clarification of the 3 words that are used inter-changeably - aging, dementia and Alzheimer's Disease
o Lack of permanent cure (warn people against high expectations from various drugs and others substances such as ginkgo biloba) and importance of care for the patient and support for the caregiver
o Right information on ethical dilemmas such as tube feeding and palliative care in the terminal stage
o Right information on the experiments conducted on curcumin
o The demographic impact of Alzheimer's Disease and other dementias in developing countries such as India
o Clear signs of Alzheimer's Disease such as forgetting names, loss of interest in hobbies, unable to manage money, unable to do simple housekeeping tasks or cooking should be highlighted in the awareness campaigns so that people can identify Alzheimer's Disease in the elderly
1. Improve awareness/ Advocacy
Objectives:
Improved public and professional Awareness of dementia among GPs, healthcare skilled/semi-skilled professionals (nursing, physiotherapists, SLPs), healthcare policy makers and media resulting in better understanding of the disease and its care.
Mobilize support from government, foundations, public and private sector organizations, and philanthropists
Generate interest in students and younger faculty members to contribute time and services, as a society that does not provide necessary social services to its members is doomed to fail.
Comments/suggestions
§ Type of messages
o Simple messages on Alzheimer's Disease
o The awareness should focus on different components such as diagnosis, treatment etc
§ Where the messages should be given
o Make use of as many media as possible
o Public - National Social Service (NSS) of Universities, all service organizations, senior citizen forums, police, bar associations, schools and colleges, local self governments, NRHM, social work colleges, management institutes
o Media – documentaries in theatres, street theatre, TV, newspaper, FM radio. Use print and electronic media, public hoardings in PHCs and hospitals,
o Include dementia in as many public awareness programs as possible
o Include information about Alzheimer's Disease in the curriculum of medical colleges for doctors, nurses, Social Science and supportive health care personnel
o Target conferences of medical professionals, nursing bureaus and home care services, RMPs,
o There should be a comprehensive website
§ Content of the messages
o The goal of awareness should be very clear from the outset and there should be a distinction between what is a public health approach and what accounts for individual strategy (care giving is a individual strategy while generic awareness of the disease is a public health strategy).
o Differentiation between normal aging and age associated memory impairment (AAMI) and benign senescent forgetfulness (BSF) of normal aging process.
o Clarification of the 3 words that are used inter-changeably - aging, dementia and Alzheimer's Disease
o Lack of permanent cure (warn people against high expectations from various drugs and others substances such as ginkgo biloba) and importance of care for the patient and support for the caregiver
o Right information on ethical dilemmas such as tube feeding and palliative care in the terminal stage
o Right information on the experiments conducted on curcumin
o The demographic impact of Alzheimer's Disease and other dementias in developing countries such as India
o Clear signs of Alzheimer's Disease such as forgetting names, loss of interest in hobbies, unable to manage money, unable to do simple housekeeping tasks or cooking should be highlighted in the awareness campaigns so that people can identify Alzheimer's Disease in the elderly
Fight against dementia India-2009
Dementia is a general term to denote a progressive degenerative disease of the brain resulting in loss of Memory, intellectual decline, behavioural and personality changes. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of Dementia. Mostly older people are affected by this condition.
It is estimated that there are more than 28 million people affected by this mind crippling tragedy globally. This number is expected to double by 2025. More than 70% of people with dementia live in developing counties like China and India. Although we don’t have the actual members, it is estimated that there are over 3 million people in India who are victims of dementia.
Compared to any other chronic illness, more than the patients, often, it is the family members who bear the brunt of this devastating illness. It is often termed as a cruel disease, because it strips the person of all the skills and intellectual achievement the person has acquired during his life time and leaves the shadow of the person he used to be. The family members often have to watch the deterioration of their loved ones helplessly. Despite the magnitude, there is gross ignorance, and is often neglected in our country.
Many countries in the world have recognized Dementia as a health priority eg. Australia, South Korea. Similarly countries like UK, France have developed National Dementia Strategies. This has resulted in greater recognition, improved awareness and more fund allocation by their governments.
Alzheimer’s and Related Disorders Society of India (ARDSI) is the first Afro Asian National Alzheimer’s Association to get full membership in Alzheimer’s Disease International the world federation of 74 national Alzheimer’s Associations way back in 1993. ARDSI continues to be in the forefront in raising awareness and providing much needed services to those affected. Taking cues from the countries with better dementia awareness and care, ARDSI has taken the bold initiative to develop a National Dementia Strategy for India. The number of people with dementia in India is expected to double by 2025. There is gross ignorance. Most people with dementia go undetected. There are hardly any service available. Research in this area is scanty.
The aim of the National consultative meetings are to explore, discuss and share views on how to develop a National Dementia Strategy for India. This will be a road map for the country for the next five years in Dementia care. The first meeting was held in Jamia Millia, New Delhi on 30th-31st Jan 2009. The meeting in Mumbai is to get the views of the experts from the Western region. Similar meetings shall be held in other parts of the country, drawing experts from medical, nursing, social work, legal, media and governmental agencies. A final meeting shall be held in New Delhi by the end of 2009 to draw a national plan.
Raising awareness, promote early diagnosis and provide effective management shall be the key areas, the Strategy shall be based up on. Final document shall be used to influence the government of India and state governments to include dementia in all the key Ministries of health, social welfare, science and technology’s, programmes. We hope to work towards making dementia a health priority in the country in the coming years.
It is estimated that there are more than 28 million people affected by this mind crippling tragedy globally. This number is expected to double by 2025. More than 70% of people with dementia live in developing counties like China and India. Although we don’t have the actual members, it is estimated that there are over 3 million people in India who are victims of dementia.
Compared to any other chronic illness, more than the patients, often, it is the family members who bear the brunt of this devastating illness. It is often termed as a cruel disease, because it strips the person of all the skills and intellectual achievement the person has acquired during his life time and leaves the shadow of the person he used to be. The family members often have to watch the deterioration of their loved ones helplessly. Despite the magnitude, there is gross ignorance, and is often neglected in our country.
Many countries in the world have recognized Dementia as a health priority eg. Australia, South Korea. Similarly countries like UK, France have developed National Dementia Strategies. This has resulted in greater recognition, improved awareness and more fund allocation by their governments.
Alzheimer’s and Related Disorders Society of India (ARDSI) is the first Afro Asian National Alzheimer’s Association to get full membership in Alzheimer’s Disease International the world federation of 74 national Alzheimer’s Associations way back in 1993. ARDSI continues to be in the forefront in raising awareness and providing much needed services to those affected. Taking cues from the countries with better dementia awareness and care, ARDSI has taken the bold initiative to develop a National Dementia Strategy for India. The number of people with dementia in India is expected to double by 2025. There is gross ignorance. Most people with dementia go undetected. There are hardly any service available. Research in this area is scanty.
The aim of the National consultative meetings are to explore, discuss and share views on how to develop a National Dementia Strategy for India. This will be a road map for the country for the next five years in Dementia care. The first meeting was held in Jamia Millia, New Delhi on 30th-31st Jan 2009. The meeting in Mumbai is to get the views of the experts from the Western region. Similar meetings shall be held in other parts of the country, drawing experts from medical, nursing, social work, legal, media and governmental agencies. A final meeting shall be held in New Delhi by the end of 2009 to draw a national plan.
Raising awareness, promote early diagnosis and provide effective management shall be the key areas, the Strategy shall be based up on. Final document shall be used to influence the government of India and state governments to include dementia in all the key Ministries of health, social welfare, science and technology’s, programmes. We hope to work towards making dementia a health priority in the country in the coming years.
National Dementia Strategy Consultative Meeting of Experts ‘Western India’
A National Dementia Strategy Consultative Meeting of Experts ‘Western India’ was held at the YMCA International, Mumbai Central on 25th & 26th April 2009.
The Theme of this meeting was : “INTEGRATED DEMENTIA CARE “ .This meeting of experts was Organised by Alzheimer’s and Related Disorders Society of India (ARDSI) National Office and Mumbai Chapter in association with Department of Psychiatry, Nair Hospital, Mumbai And Silver Inning Foundation.
This important meet was inaugurated by Chief Guest: Dr. Jairaj Thanekar -Executive Health Officer, Mumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and Guest of Honour: Dr.R.V.Rananavare - Ag.Dean,Nair Hospital.
Dr.Jairaj Thanekar assured to help the cause of Dementia in creating awareness and providing services.
Around 29 multidisciplinary organization and family members participated in this important meet, the list of organization is given below:
1° All India ARDSI Chapters
2° Dept of Psychiatry, Nair Hospital
3° Silver Inning Foundation
4° Dept of Health , Mumbai Municipal Corporation( BMC)
5° Geriatric Society of India
6° TISS
7° Majlis
8° Dept of Psychiatry, KEM Hospital
9° The Family Welfare Agency
10° Forum for Improving Quality of Life
11° Jhunjhunwala Foundation
12° Harmony
13° Dept of Nursing, Wockhard Hospital
14° Tata Trust
15° Anand Rehabilitation center
16° Dept of Nursing, Nanavati Hospital
17° Akashwani
18° Memory Clinic, Sion Hospital
19° Memory Clinic, Nair Hospital
20° S.V.T.College (SNDT Juhu)
21° Bombay Psychiatrist Society
22° Elder Helpline, Mumbai Police
23° Helpage India
24° Sir Tata Dorabji Trust
25° Department of Neurology, K.E.M. Hospital
26° Department of Neurology, Grant medical college
27° Sir J.J.Group of Hospitals, Mumbai
28° Dept of Nursing , Holy Family Hospital ,Niagaon
29° Dept of Nursing , Minatai Nursing College
The Theme of this meeting was : “INTEGRATED DEMENTIA CARE “ .This meeting of experts was Organised by Alzheimer’s and Related Disorders Society of India (ARDSI) National Office and Mumbai Chapter in association with Department of Psychiatry, Nair Hospital, Mumbai And Silver Inning Foundation.
This important meet was inaugurated by Chief Guest: Dr. Jairaj Thanekar -Executive Health Officer, Mumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and Guest of Honour: Dr.R.V.Rananavare - Ag.Dean,Nair Hospital.
Dr.Jairaj Thanekar assured to help the cause of Dementia in creating awareness and providing services.
Around 29 multidisciplinary organization and family members participated in this important meet, the list of organization is given below:
1° All India ARDSI Chapters
2° Dept of Psychiatry, Nair Hospital
3° Silver Inning Foundation
4° Dept of Health , Mumbai Municipal Corporation( BMC)
5° Geriatric Society of India
6° TISS
7° Majlis
8° Dept of Psychiatry, KEM Hospital
9° The Family Welfare Agency
10° Forum for Improving Quality of Life
11° Jhunjhunwala Foundation
12° Harmony
13° Dept of Nursing, Wockhard Hospital
14° Tata Trust
15° Anand Rehabilitation center
16° Dept of Nursing, Nanavati Hospital
17° Akashwani
18° Memory Clinic, Sion Hospital
19° Memory Clinic, Nair Hospital
20° S.V.T.College (SNDT Juhu)
21° Bombay Psychiatrist Society
22° Elder Helpline, Mumbai Police
23° Helpage India
24° Sir Tata Dorabji Trust
25° Department of Neurology, K.E.M. Hospital
26° Department of Neurology, Grant medical college
27° Sir J.J.Group of Hospitals, Mumbai
28° Dept of Nursing , Holy Family Hospital ,Niagaon
29° Dept of Nursing , Minatai Nursing College
Support Groups Dementia - Greater Mumbai
www.timeswellness.com
Posted On Monday, May 11, 2009
Silver Innings Dementia Support Group, in association with Silver Inning Foundation and Alzheimer’s and Related Disorder Society of India (ARDSI), Greater Mumbai
Contact details: Sailesh Mishra - Founder, 9987104233 / 9819819145 . Email- info@silverinnings.com; sailesh2000@gmail.com, Website - www.silverinnings.com
Contact Time: Monday to Friday 10am to 5pm.
The Silver Innings Dementia Support Group offers counselling, training of family members, training of professional care givers, monthly meetings, awareness campaigns, lectures, and reference service. The team members include psychiatrist, family member, clinical psychologist, nursing trainer and social worker
The current area of operation is from Andheri to Bhayander.
___________________________________________________________
Other contact numbers
Dignity Foundation - Dementia Day care centre
Contact – 91-22-23898078
Alzheimer’s and Related Disorder Society of India (ARDSI) runs a partial Helpline
Contact – 91-22-23742479
Shree Manav Seva Sangh: 24081487
Mumbai Police: 1090
Silver Inning Foundation: 9987104233
http://www.timeswellness.com/index.aspx?page=article§id=12&contentid=200905112009051115242256449ebe640§xslt=SecAllImg
Posted On Monday, May 11, 2009
Silver Innings Dementia Support Group, in association with Silver Inning Foundation and Alzheimer’s and Related Disorder Society of India (ARDSI), Greater Mumbai
Contact details: Sailesh Mishra - Founder, 9987104233 / 9819819145 . Email- info@silverinnings.com; sailesh2000@gmail.com, Website - www.silverinnings.com
Contact Time: Monday to Friday 10am to 5pm.
The Silver Innings Dementia Support Group offers counselling, training of family members, training of professional care givers, monthly meetings, awareness campaigns, lectures, and reference service. The team members include psychiatrist, family member, clinical psychologist, nursing trainer and social worker
The current area of operation is from Andheri to Bhayander.
___________________________________________________________
Other contact numbers
Dignity Foundation - Dementia Day care centre
Contact – 91-22-23898078
Alzheimer’s and Related Disorder Society of India (ARDSI) runs a partial Helpline
Contact – 91-22-23742479
Shree Manav Seva Sangh: 24081487
Mumbai Police: 1090
Silver Inning Foundation: 9987104233
http://www.timeswellness.com/index.aspx?page=article§id=12&contentid=200905112009051115242256449ebe640§xslt=SecAllImg
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Dementia Mumbai Chapter Invites
ARDSI,Mumbai Chapter cordial invites you to join us for Dinner on
Saturday 25th April 2009 at 7.30pm at Shivaji Park Gymkhana ,1st Flr ,
Near Minatai Thakre Statue ,Shivaji Park , Keluskar Road,Dadar
,Mumbai.Tel: 022-24453811 / 24443799
Saturday 25th April 2009 at 7.30pm at Shivaji Park Gymkhana ,1st Flr ,
Near Minatai Thakre Statue ,Shivaji Park , Keluskar Road,Dadar
,Mumbai.Tel: 022-24453811 / 24443799
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Caregivers and Depression - Signs of Depression
By L. John Mason
I have been a caregiver for over 4 years and I recognize that it is affecting me. I did some research to find the Signs of Depression and found that I have been experiencing many of these challenges. Caregivers need to take good care of themselves. Even with exercise, stress management (relaxation), and proper diet, caregivers can still become overwhelmed by the efforts that they provide.Please take good care of yourself. Get support from friends, family, and even professionals, if you need.Symptoms of depression....
Here's a list of common signs of depression. If these symptoms last for more than two weeks, see your doctor.
- Mental or physical tiredness or lack of energy
- An "empty" feeling, ongoing sadness, and anxiety
- Loss of interest or pleasure in activities that were once pleasurable
- Recurrent episodes of crying
- Change in sleep patterns, including very early morning waking, insomnia, or increased need for sleep
- Problems with eating and weight (gain or loss)
- Decreased sex drive or sexual dysfunction
- Thoughts of death or suicide; a suicide attempt
- Aches and pains that just won't go away
- Difficulty focusing, remembering, or making decisions
- Feeling irritable or stressed
- Feeling that the future looks grim; feeling guilty, helpless, or worthless
- Stomach ache and digestive problems
Two hallmarks of depression - symptoms key to establishing a diagnosis
- are :
- Depressed mood. You feel sad, helpless or hopeless, and may have crying spells.
- Loss of interest in normal daily activities. You lose interest in or pleasure from activities that you used to enjoy.
In addition, for a doctor or other health professional to diagnose depression, most of the following signs and symptoms also must be present for at least two weeks.
- Sleep disturbances. Sleeping too much or having problems sleeping can be a sign you're depressed. Waking in the middle of the night or early in the morning and not being able to get back to sleep are typical.
- Fatigue or slowing of body movements. You feel weariness and lack of energy nearly every day. You may feel as tired in the morning as you did when you went to bed the night before. You may feel like you're doing everything in slow motion, or you may speak in a slow, monotonous tone.
- Low self-esteem. You feel worthless and have excessive guilt.
- Changes in weight. An increased or reduced appetite and unexplained weight gain or loss may indicate depression.
- Agitation. You may seem restless, agitated, irritable and easily annoyed.
- Impaired thinking or concentration. You may have trouble concentrating or making decisions and have problems with memory.
- Less interest in sex. If you were sexually active before developing depression, you may notice a dramatic decrease in your level of interest in having sexual relations.
- Thoughts of death. You have a persistent negative view of yourself, your situation and the future. You may have thoughts of death, dying or suicide.
Depression can also cause a wide variety of physical complaints, such as gastrointestinal problems (indigestion, constipation or diarrhea), headache and backache. Many people with depression also have symptoms of anxiety.
Regular exercise, relaxation (stress management), proper sleep (rest), and proper diet can help to lessen the impact of the stress from caregiving. If you require more support, go get it. Avoid "burnout" or worse.
Please take GOOD care of yourself!
L. John Mason, Ph.D. is the author of the best selling "Guide to Stress Reduction." Since 1977, he has offered Success & Executive Coaching and Training.
I have been a caregiver for over 4 years and I recognize that it is affecting me. I did some research to find the Signs of Depression and found that I have been experiencing many of these challenges. Caregivers need to take good care of themselves. Even with exercise, stress management (relaxation), and proper diet, caregivers can still become overwhelmed by the efforts that they provide.Please take good care of yourself. Get support from friends, family, and even professionals, if you need.Symptoms of depression....
Here's a list of common signs of depression. If these symptoms last for more than two weeks, see your doctor.
- Mental or physical tiredness or lack of energy
- An "empty" feeling, ongoing sadness, and anxiety
- Loss of interest or pleasure in activities that were once pleasurable
- Recurrent episodes of crying
- Change in sleep patterns, including very early morning waking, insomnia, or increased need for sleep
- Problems with eating and weight (gain or loss)
- Decreased sex drive or sexual dysfunction
- Thoughts of death or suicide; a suicide attempt
- Aches and pains that just won't go away
- Difficulty focusing, remembering, or making decisions
- Feeling irritable or stressed
- Feeling that the future looks grim; feeling guilty, helpless, or worthless
- Stomach ache and digestive problems
Two hallmarks of depression - symptoms key to establishing a diagnosis
- are :
- Depressed mood. You feel sad, helpless or hopeless, and may have crying spells.
- Loss of interest in normal daily activities. You lose interest in or pleasure from activities that you used to enjoy.
In addition, for a doctor or other health professional to diagnose depression, most of the following signs and symptoms also must be present for at least two weeks.
- Sleep disturbances. Sleeping too much or having problems sleeping can be a sign you're depressed. Waking in the middle of the night or early in the morning and not being able to get back to sleep are typical.
- Fatigue or slowing of body movements. You feel weariness and lack of energy nearly every day. You may feel as tired in the morning as you did when you went to bed the night before. You may feel like you're doing everything in slow motion, or you may speak in a slow, monotonous tone.
- Low self-esteem. You feel worthless and have excessive guilt.
- Changes in weight. An increased or reduced appetite and unexplained weight gain or loss may indicate depression.
- Agitation. You may seem restless, agitated, irritable and easily annoyed.
- Impaired thinking or concentration. You may have trouble concentrating or making decisions and have problems with memory.
- Less interest in sex. If you were sexually active before developing depression, you may notice a dramatic decrease in your level of interest in having sexual relations.
- Thoughts of death. You have a persistent negative view of yourself, your situation and the future. You may have thoughts of death, dying or suicide.
Depression can also cause a wide variety of physical complaints, such as gastrointestinal problems (indigestion, constipation or diarrhea), headache and backache. Many people with depression also have symptoms of anxiety.
Regular exercise, relaxation (stress management), proper sleep (rest), and proper diet can help to lessen the impact of the stress from caregiving. If you require more support, go get it. Avoid "burnout" or worse.
Please take GOOD care of yourself!
L. John Mason, Ph.D. is the author of the best selling "Guide to Stress Reduction." Since 1977, he has offered Success & Executive Coaching and Training.
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