Lions Club, Moodubelle and Dept. of Psychiatric Nursing, Manipal Jointly Observe Alzheimer’s Day

By Dr. Eugene DSouza
Bellevision Media Network

Udupi/M’Belle, 26 Sep: Lions Club, Moodubelle and Department of Psychiatric (Mental Health) Nursing, Manipal jointly observed Alzheimer’s Day on Thursday, 26 September at 10.30 am in Church Aided Higher Primary School hall.

 

The brief stage progrmme was presided over by Ln. Anil D’Mello-First Vice President of Lions Club, Moodubelle. Other dignitaries on the dais included: Prof. Renjulal Yashodharan-Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatric Nursing, Ln. Elias D’Souza-Secretary, Lions Club Moodubelle, Ln. Valerian Noronha-Coordinator of Alzheimer’s Day Programme and Sr. Irene Viegas-Headmistress of Church Aided Higher Primary School.

 

Prof. Renjulal Yashodharan and Mrs. Flavia Noronha-Lecturer in the Department of Psychiatric Nursing Manipal introduced the theme of the Alzheimer’s Day, that is, “Raising Awareness and Challenging Stigma”. 

 

Ln. Devdas Hebbar welcomed the gathering and compeered the programme. Ln. Elias D’Souza proposed the vote of thanks.

 

The students of Department of Psychiatric Nursing presented a skit highlighting the problems associated with Alzheimer’s disease.

 

Mrs. Rochell D’Sa-Lecturer in the Department of Psychiatric Nursing through power point presentation explained the nature and symptoms of the Alzheimer disease and also pointed out how such patients are to be treated.

 

 

About World Alzheimer’s Day:

World Alzheimer’s Day is observed on September 21. Alzheimer’s, a progressive disorder, destroys memory and leads to degeneration of cells, impacting important mental functions. Alzheimer’s involves impairment of speech and memory areas, which is riskier than forgetfulness. The theme for World Alzheimer’s Month 2019 will be raising awareness and challenging stigma. Per 2018 World Alzheimer Report, someone in the world develops dementia every three seconds. There were an estimated 50 million people worldwide living with dementia in 2017 - a number that will almost double every 20 years, reaching 131.5 million in 2050, it said.

 

The World Health Organization puts the number even higher, at 152 million by 2050.

 

Earlier this week, Pope Francis appealed for greater support for people suffering from Alzheimer’s and their carers, saying those with the disease were often abused. Sufferers "are often victims of violence, mistreatment and abuse that crushes their dignity," Pope Francis said during his weekly general audience at the Vatican, in a message to mark World Alzheimer’s Day on September 21.

 

"Let us pray for the conversion of hearts, and for those affected by Alzheimer’s, for their families and for those who care for them lovingly," he said.

 

Some Common Facts About Alzheimer’s:

1. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, and is not a normal part of aging. This World Alzheimer’s Day, the focus is on stigma and how to break stereotypes and myths that surround the diagnosis of dementia.

2. One of the most common signs of Alzheimer’s disease is forgetfulness - forgetting important dates, names or events, asking for the same questions over and over.

3. Some of the other common symptoms include depression, apathy, social withdrawal, mood swings, distrust, irritability, aggressiveness, changes in sleeping habits, wandering, loss of inhibitions and delusions.

4. Research has shown that poor sleep patterns like difficulty in falling asleep or staying asleep are linked to increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

5. To reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, exercising regularly, eating a diet of fresh produce, healthy oils and foods which are low in saturated fat are beneficial, say experts, adding that breathing exercises help immensely.