How Important are Alzheimer’s & Dementia Support Groups?
Dementia affects an estimated 44 million individuals globally and over 4 million individuals in India are plagued by it. It is a widespread global health concern which must be managed efficiently, keeping the person suffering from it in mind.
A diagnosis of Alzheimer’s can change an individual’s life and their relatives’ or colleagues’ too, with that said information and assistance, are accessible to all. No one should have to individually deal with Alzheimer’s disease or other symptoms of dementia. Although there is no cure for the disease, these charity purpose assists the sufferers and their caregivers cope with the condition, halting its course.
What is a Dementia or Alzheimer’s Support Group?
An Alzheimer’s support group attempts to offer caretakers services with a nurturing environment and a forum to express their emotions. It is primarily a support group for persons who care for people with dementia disease or other neuropsychological disorders. The organisation assists caregivers in understanding and coping with the disease’s intricacies, focuses on enabling the dementia society to understand the condition better, offers suggestions and information on caring, and most significantly, emphasises increasing carers’ well-being.
How Do We Assist Individuals with Dementia & Alzheimer’s Disease?
A support network for persons with dementia or neurocognitive disability that aims to give them a sense of togetherness in humanity and participation in society. Enjoyable intellectual exercises, motion and arts, musical group therapy sessions, and other activities are included in this positive charge. Individuals are invited to discuss their personal experiences, emotions, and views in a judgement-free environment.
Dementia & Alzheimer’s Support Groups in India
1. Hyderabad Is Home To The Alzheimer’s And Related Disorders Society Of India (ARDSI)
The Alzheimer’s and Associated Diseases Society of India (ARDSI) in Hyderabad does have a facility for Alzheimer’s and dementia patients. This is for persons who have Alzheimer’s, a form of dementia. They engage with sufferers in various mental and rehabilitative exercises to keep individual neurons functioning and halt the disease’s growth. Daycare services, caregiver training, and mental testing are among the services we offer.
2. Calcutta Chapter of The Alzheimer’s And Related Disorders Society of India (ARDSI)
The Calcutta branch of ARDSI is committed to helping people with Alzheimer’s as if its Hyderabad headquarters. They conduct awareness and fundraiser activities for the organisation to promote awareness about the condition. They also organise counselling services for caretakers as well as provide mentors to them.
3. Mumbai is A City That Echoes The Concept of Healthy Ageing
After a diagnosis is made with Alzheimer’s disease, the group offers relatives counselling to assist them in better understanding the condition and its effects on sufferers. They provide treatment for the patients as well as career and family caretaker instructions. Because it is a chronic and irreversible condition, they must learn how to care for individuals and plan for the long term. A one-hour meeting with family and friends, which would be more akin to training, is conducted.
4. Nightingales Medical Trust, Bengaluru
They have a self-help group for families that have people with dementia.” There, they raise awareness of the problem and its indications and hold workshops on how to deal with behavioural challenges that patients experience. There is minimal knowledge of the condition, and families are unsure what to anticipate, making coping with sufferers difficult. They are uncertain where to turn, who to seek counsel from, or how to cope with the challenging behaviour. Every month, they have a schedule where we will address a certain issue such as roaming, repeated conduct, or day-to-day problems.
5. Samvedna Senior Care, Gurugram
They provide comprehensive assistance to the family member, including training and educating caretakers on dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. They offer assistance services such as childcare and other activities. They have a large staff supporting these individuals, including paediatricians, chiropractors, and others, who undertake monthly training courses. We consult patients regarding their concerns and create support networks depending on individual requirements. There’s also an open forum with the parents, where they talk about their problems and advise coping with circumstances.
Conclusion
The percentage of individuals plagued by this ailment will increase dramatically as India’s young population ages and lives longer than their elders. It is estimated that 7.6 million individuals will have Alzheimer’s by 2030, and that figure will nearly quadruple by 2050. However, dementia is recognised as a global health concern unless a comprehensive policy provides essential care services. Anyone diagnosed with Dementia or Alzheimer’s disease or who knows someone who does should contact these organisations for help.
FAQs
What causes dementia in the first place?
Degeneration of the frontal lobe, the area of the brain involved in ideas, memories, behaviours, and personality, is the most common cause of dementia. Dementia disease is characterised by cognitive deficits caused by the loss of cells in the brain in this area.
Is it possible to recover from dementia?
There is no “treatment” for Alzheimer’s at this time. Since Alzheimer’s is affected by various disorders, there is unlikely to be a single dementia cure. However, there are many support or caregiver organisations you may call for assistance.
What is the meaning of the term “sundowning”?
The phrase “sundowning” refers to a condition of befuddlement that occurs late in the afternoon and lasts into the night. Sundowning can result in various behaviours, including bewilderment, anxiety, anger, and disobeying instructions. Pacing or roaming might occur when the sun sets. Sundowning isn’t a medical condition.
Do dementia patients behave childishly?
As dementia disease advances, persons with dementia appear to have some infantile behaviours. This isn’t because they’re “reverting” to their childhood; rather, they forget what they learned as adults.
Do you speak the truth to dementia patients?
At first, it may appear harsh and unethical. However, constantly telling the truth, especially regarding an emotional matter or something little, is more likely to trigger anguish, uncertainty, and sorrow in your older adult.
Is it true that stress causes dementia?
Cortisol, a major chemical generated once you’re worried, has been related to memory issues. Stress has also been connected to mental illnesses, including depression and anxiety, associated with an increased risk of dementia.
Is it possible for dementia to deteriorate suddenly?
Dementia advances quickly for some people, while it takes many years for others to reach an important stage. The root reason for dementia has a big impact on how dementia progresses.
Is it possible to reverse dementia with vitamin D?
According to research, people with very low amounts of vitamin D in the blood, known as vitamin D insufficiency, are more prone to acquire dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
