Families receive a helpful tip shared by a young caregiver on the occasion of World Alzheimer's Day
In the world of healthcare, Alzheimer's and dementia have become familiar topics, often appearing in television shows and films such as Still Alice and Help. For Sam, a student, these topics became more than just entertainment when she worked on a dementia specialist ward.
During her placement, Sam encountered patients affected by alcohol-induced dementia, a condition that leaves those with it feeling confused and changes their behaviour and emotions. The youngest patient she saw was around 55 years old, a stark reminder of the disease's early onset potential. Most of these cases, she found, were the result of alcohol addictions.
The emotional toll of caring for these patients was significant. Sam found alcohol-induced dementia equally as sad due to its potential links to upbringing and class. One patient, who reminded her of her grandad, deteriorated over her placement, a sight that left an indelible mark.
Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's or dementia is a challenging task. Isabel Mogridge, who cared for her grandma diagnosed with Alzheimer's for 18 months, agrees. She encourages speaking to family and getting tips on how to jog a person's memory as a great idea when caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's. Learning not to correct a person with Alzheimer's when they are confused, she believes, makes a difference in the way they are cared for and interacted with.
In the UK, more than 850,000 people are affected by Alzheimer's, according to a 2014 report. In the US, an estimated 5.7 million Americans of all ages have Alzheimer's, according to the Alzheimer's Association. Despite these staggering numbers, a 2019 poll showed a majority of MPs believed Alzheimer's and Dementia care services were underfunded.
World Alzheimer's Day, an international campaign to raise awareness and educate about dementia, is celebrated on September 21. It serves as a reminder of the importance of supporting those affected by Alzheimer's and dementia, not just the diagnosed, but also family, friends, and loved ones.
Sam reflects on her time on the dementia specialist ward as a 'massive team effort' involving occupational therapists, doctors, physios, and psychology. The healthcare assistants and nurses, she found, were 'amazing'. However, getting calls from families about negative progressions in patients was especially difficult, particularly during Covid when they couldn't visit.
Sam advises family members and friends of those with Alzheimer's to stay in contact with them regularly. This simple act can provide comfort and help maintain a sense of normalcy in a world that is often anything but.
References:
[1] Alzheimer's Society. (2021). Alcohol-related dementia. Retrieved from https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-dementia/types-of-dementia/alcohol-related-dementia
[2] TikTok user @jennawhite11. (2021, February 1). Life with Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. TikTok video.
[3] National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. (2021). Alcohol's Effects on the Brain. Retrieved from https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohol-health/alcohols-effects-body#brain
[4] Alzheimer's Association. (2021). Caring for the Caregiver. Retrieved from https://www.alz.org/care/alzheimers-dementia-caregiving-support.asp
- World Alzheimer's Day, an international campaign held on September 21, aims to raise awareness and educate about dementia, emphasizing the need for support not only for the diagnosed but also for family, friends, and loved ones.
- In addition to mental health resources, health-and-wellness platforms could consider featuring news segments and events on Alzheimer's and dementia, providing insights into the condition's impact and the challenges faced by caretakers, such as Sam, who worked on a dementia specialist ward.
- A 2019 poll in the UK revealed that a majority of MPs believed Alzheimer's and Dementia care services were underfunded, highlighting the urgent need for more international cooperation in the field of science, particularly in the pursuit of curing these diseases, as well as improving healthcare and mental-health services for those affected.
