It's World Alzheimer's Month
Every September Alzheimer’s Association of Trinidad and Tobago along with international and regional Alzheimer’s Associations take part to raise awareness of dementia and challenge the stigma. This year the theme Remember Me highlights the importance of early detection and diagnosis of dementia. While the campaign takes place for the entire month, World Alzheimer’s Day is observed on the 21st of September.
Early detection means being better able to cope with the progression of the condition and to introduce lifestyle changes which are social, physical, mental and dietary. This is a good opportunity to make decisions about financial and legal affairs while still having the capacity to do so. There is also the benefit from available drug and non-drug therapies that may improve cognition and could even offer an enhanced quality of life.
At present, there is no simple test to diagnose dementia. However, a doctor can make a reasonable diagnosis of dementia by carefully taking the history of the person along with examining the person’s physical and mental status to exclude other treatable conditions such as depression, drug interactions or an infection. There are ten warning signs and symptoms of Dementia. Individuals may experience one or more of these signs in different degrees.
After receiving a diagnosis there is support available. Learn about the disease, there are many resources available online. Local support groups have representatives ready with the experience and knowledge to offer. The Alzheimer’s Association of Trinidad and Tobago offers four support groups in Port of Spain, Arima, San Fernando and Tobago. Monthly meetings are held in each area led by a representative of the Association. Meetings are open to all caregivers and affected persons, relatives, friends, professionals, organizations and interested persons.
Early detection means being better able to cope with the progression of the condition and to introduce lifestyle changes which are social, physical, mental and dietary. This is a good opportunity to make decisions about financial and legal affairs while still having the capacity to do so. There is also the benefit from available drug and non-drug therapies that may improve cognition and could even offer an enhanced quality of life.
At present, there is no simple test to diagnose dementia. However, a doctor can make a reasonable diagnosis of dementia by carefully taking the history of the person along with examining the person’s physical and mental status to exclude other treatable conditions such as depression, drug interactions or an infection. There are ten warning signs and symptoms of Dementia. Individuals may experience one or more of these signs in different degrees.
- Memory loss that disrupts daily life
- Difficulty performing familiar tasks
- Problems with language in speaking or writing
- Disorientation to time and place
- Poor or decreased judgement
- Problems keeping track of things
- Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps
- Changes in mood or behaviour
- Trouble understanding visual images or spatial relationships
- Withdrawal from work or social activities
After receiving a diagnosis there is support available. Learn about the disease, there are many resources available online. Local support groups have representatives ready with the experience and knowledge to offer. The Alzheimer’s Association of Trinidad and Tobago offers four support groups in Port of Spain, Arima, San Fernando and Tobago. Monthly meetings are held in each area led by a representative of the Association. Meetings are open to all caregivers and affected persons, relatives, friends, professionals, organizations and interested persons.