By Jerardin D'Souza
Mangaluru, Sep 29: "Our own Mangalurean former defence minister George Fernandes cannot recognize his dear ones and speaks a little Konkani. So also champion boxer Mohd Ali and our popular former PM Bharat Ratna Vajpayee, are all affected by the sad condition of Dementia or Alzheimer's or Parkinsons, the various forms of Dementia," lamented Jerardin D'Souza- founder director- Mangalore Alzheimer's Association (MAA), as he joined Yenepoya Nursing College in observing 'World Alzheimer's Day' at the relatively semi rural Primary Health Centre (PHC) at Kotekar.
The program began with prayers by Flavia and group.
Nirtyashree, lecturer, community health nursing, Yenepoya Nursing College on welcoming the guests said, "Though Jerardin D'Souza is an engineer, he has been creating awareness on Alzheimer's Dementia AD very actively."
Dr Gopi Prakash, medical officer of PHC asked the assembled semi rural people whether they knew about Alzheimer's Dementia, to which all of them said a resounding 'No'.
Kiran Rao Chavan, professor, community health nursing of Yenepoya University, explained the general aspects of Alzheimer's dementia stressing on the significance of the day.
Imran and Devyana Rodrigues were actively present.
Starting the power point presentation PPT, Jerardin D'Souza in his informative 'Talk' quoting Dr Ravish Thunga, the noted psychiatrist said, "Consuming alcohol in excess and not eating food can lead to a reversible form of Alzheimer's disease."
"When speaking to the AD affected do not raise your voice, repeat what you say, look at their face, be affectionate and mild, smile and do not argue with the AD affected, as their brain is not in a position to understand," said Jerardin D'Souza, as he explained in detail the various stages and irritants that the AD affected undergo, using a Power Point PPT, which clearly pictured the brain.
"Caregiving is the most difficult part when dealing with Alzheimer's AD affected people. A daughter whose father suffered Alzheimer's resigned from her huge job at a five star hotel to take care of him, but in due course she was so stressed by the constant change in her father's behavior, that she had to be admitted to the psychiatric ward," revealed D'Souza.
"Alzheimer's AD is without cure, but we can improve their quality of life by understanding the disease and changing our attitude and behaviour towards the Alzheimer's affected," said D'Souza.
He gave lots of examples as how our very own fail to recognize us and cannot do even small functions. "If they tend to keep their clothes, valuables etc in the fridge instead of the cupboard or feel lost, these are signs of Dementia and should be consulted with the local doctor, who will guide you. Early detection can help delay the growth," said Jerardin and urged them to consult their PHC doctors.
The various stages and behavioral changes were brilliantly depicted by the students of Yenepoya Nursing through a skit, which brought out the human angle and touched everyone assembled. The involvement of the students in this less understood, sad, incurable disease will surely help society face the challenge.
Dr Asha Shetty, principal, Yenepoya Nursing College is the proactive dynamic personality who had motivated everyone in organizing this very meaningful and helpful to society program along with Vineetha Jacob and staff, Nitya Shree, Lavina were actively involved.
Jerardin D'Souza presented a booklet on Dementia, written by Dr P V Bhandary and team, AV Baliga Hospital, Udupi to both Dr Gopi Prakash and Devyana Rodrigues for Yenepoya Nursing College.
The program ended with a vote of thanks by Soniya Moras.