By Jerardin D'Souza

Udupi, Sep 26: "Bharat Ratna Vajpayee, former PM, George Fernandes, former defence minister, Mohd Ali, champion boxer, are all united by a common thread, the sad terminal affliction, Dementia or Alzheimer's or Parkinsons. It is a very secular disease," lamented Jerardin D'Souza- founder director-Mangalore Alzheimer's Association MAA. He was speaking after inaugurating 'World Alzheimer's Day' at A V Baliga Memorial Hospital, Udupi.

"Having met Richard Shreder, director of Alzheimer's Facilities in Seatlle USA, I thought of using his experience and knowledge to help our suffering Mangalureans."

Jerardin D'Souza shared his story of how he, an engineer happened to be active in Alzheimer's awareness.
"The terminal disease which has no cure results in irreversible death of brain cells. The affected live long lives of maximum 20 years, hence the caregiving part becomes a major part. We need to train caregivers even if they are immediate family members," he said.

"It is a medico social case, where doctors and society need to join together to find a better quality of life rather than lamenting that there is no cure," he said. "I have undergone an online course 'Understanding Dementia' from University of Tasmania, Australia, which anyone can do. It is free and very useful for caregivers and everyone," said Jerardin D'Souza.

"Playing chess, Chenna Mane, crossword puzzles or anything that forces the brain to work will be an exercise, which can delay Alzheimer's or the onset of Dementia," observed D'Souza.

"A daughter who resigned her lucrative job to take care of her Alzheimer's affected father, found the caregiving very stressful and got mentally strained and had to be admitted to a psychiatry ward. The caregiver is the first victim was Richard Shreder's warning," explained D'Souza.

Dr A V Baliga Charities, Mumbai, trustee, Dr R V Baliga, a surgeon himself, in his presidential address opined that Alzheimer's is the impact of modern medicine. He said people live longer with advanced medicine. Longevity of lifespan results in shrinking of the brain cells. Stating that understanding the disease and sharing of knowledge is the need of the hour. Baliga said suspicion, anger, anxiety, repetition of acts were symptoms.

The CMO of A V Baliga Hospital and psychiatrist, the dynamic Dr P Venkataraya Bhandary welcomed Jerardin D'Souza, saying, "We have an engineer who has gone out of his way and is doing silent service to society."

"A balanced diet as well as keeping oneself socially and mentally active could go a long way in preventing dementia. The theme of this years Alzheimer's Day is 'remember me'.

Dr Bhandary said that a healthy lifestyle which includes exercises such as brisk walk, maintaining a healthy weight and giving up smoking were linked to reduced risk of dementia. A person should seriously maintain a healthy lifestyle after forty. Conditions such as diabetes, genetics, sedentary lifestyle and stress should be controlled.

"Dementia should be a public health priority and more public awareness on it is required," said Dr P V Bhandary.

Jerardin D'Souza released a booklet 'A short handbook on Dementia' which is compiled by the psychiatrists of the A V Baliga Hospital Dr K S Latha, Dr Deepak Mallya, Dr Virupaksha Devaramane and Dr P V Bhandary.

There was a meaningful skit depicting the various stages of Dementia and the caregiving aspects. brilliantly enacted by the Staff & Doctors.

Jerardin D'Souza was asked to share more of his experiences from a layman's perspective which he shared citing his training in palliative care at KMC Mangaluru under Dr Jochen Becker, Germany, giving details and saying that it is not easy to diagnose the type of Dementia since symptoms keep changing over a period of time. It is a huge challenge to doctors, hence the public should understand the limitations of the medical profession when treating Dementia.

Jerardin D'Souza was very appreciative of Dr P V Bhandary for his proactive socially committed concern for society. "He is doing humane service rising above his medical duties," he observed.

He also made a special mention of his dear friend engineer Vinay Bhandary who saved his life in a road accident and he was present for this rare humane function.

Dr Latha, Sr Deepika shared their experiences in the scientific session that followed.

Dr Deepak Mallya delivered the vote of thanks.

A very meaningful, humane program to connect to society and create awareness on Alzheimer's, Dementia, which has no cure.