Alzheimer’s is a specific brain disease causing the brain cells to die. Dahilan ito for the brain to work less and less well overtime. This eventually causes a person to act differently—na maaaring makaapekto sa ating daily activities in life. Taking care of a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease can be difficult for one person to bear alone. Thankfully, the Filipino culture shares a close-knit relationship in the family and sometimes even extended family.
May difference ba between dementia and Alzheimer’s disease?
Mayroon po, ang dementia at ang Alzheimer’s disease ay dalawang magkaibang kondisyon yet related to one another. Alzheimer’s disease is a type of dementia that accounts for 60-80% of dementia cases. Dementia, on the other hand, is a general term for symptoms in the decline of one’s mental ability such as memory, reasoning or other thinking skills.
By 2050 the Philippines is projected to have approximately 1.15 million people with dementia.¹ Tandaan natin na dementia can affect our thinking, behavior, and feelings. Learning about Alzheimer’s disease and dementia can empower the family members and the caregivers likewise.
Mayroon ba tayong magagawa para alagaan ang may Alzheimer’s disease at dementia?
Mayroon po tayong magagawa para sa kanila. Definitely, it is not an easy task to manage a patient with Alzheimer’s disease especially as it advances to disorientation, confusion, and behavior changes. Habang tumatagal, other daily tasks may become difficult as well such as speaking, swallowing, and walking.
Ano-ano ba ang mga pwede natin isaalang-alang na gawin for them? Here are some tips from the National Institute on Aging to help in the everyday care of a patient:
- Ensure a daily routine. Ang pagkakaroon ng araw-araw na gawain na maaaring sundan ng ating patient ay tumutulong sa kondisyon at nagse-serve as exercise na rin sa kanila.
- Keep it simple. Nakatutulong rin ang paisa-isang pagtatanong o pagsasalita dahil nabibigyan sila ng sapat na oras himayin o intindihin ang ating mga sinasabi.
- Focus on feelings. Halimbawa nito ay ang pagsasabi ng “Parang ligalig/’di mapakali/kabado/masaya/malungkot ka ata?” Nakatutulong ito sa self-reflection ng ating patient.
- Do not argue. Siguruhin na hindi tayo makikipagtalo o magbibigay ng dahilan na maramdaman ng ating patient na nakikipagtalo o inaaway sila. Ito’y para mabigyan sila ng secure feeling na safe sila pag tayo ang kasama.
- Try not to show your frustration or anger. Iwasan nating magpakita ng frustration o pagkadismaya. Kung kaya o ligtas naman, maaari tayong lumabas saglit upang huminga ng ilang minuto.
- Use distractions. Maaari tayong magbigay ng pagkakaabalahan tulad ng music, pagkanta, pagsayaw at iba pa.
- Ask for help sa mga magagaang gawain tulad ng paghahain sa hapag, pagtitiklop ng damit, o kaya pagdidilig ng halaman.
- Use humor. Para sa mas magaang araw-araw, maaari ring magpatawa from time to time.
- Safe place to walk. Maglaan ng isang ligtas na lugar para sa ating pasyente na mahilig maglakad-lakad.
- Reassure his or her safety. Siguruhin palagi na ramdam nilang nandito tayo para sa kanilang kaligtasan at para tulungan sila.
Is there a cure for Alzheimer’s disease?
There is still no cure for Alzheimer’s disease. Despite this, there are ways as to how we can manage Alzheimer’s disease. Help is available in both pharmacological and non-pharmacologic interventions. Such should be used to best treat and manage the cognitive, behavioral, and psychological symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia. Ang MedChoice ay mayroong Donepedin o Donepezil Hydrochloride na ginagamit to treat mild to moderately severe dementia of the Alzheimer’s Type (DAT). MedChoice also offers Memandin or Memantine Hydrochloride indicated for moderate to severe DAT. Ginagamit rin ito to treat vascular dementia which is associated with cerebrovascular disease. May Maaasahan tayong Galing at Kalinga sa Neurologic disorders! Mainam rin na sundin ang reseta ng doktor when it comes to daily dosage intake.
References:
Dementia vs. Alzheimer’s Disease: What is the Difference? (n.d.). Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia. https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/difference-between-dementia-and-alzheimer-s
Managing personality and behavior changes in Alzheimer’s. (n.d.). National Institute on Aging. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/managing-personality-and-behavior-changes-alzheimers
Medical management. (n.d.). Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia. https://www.alz.org/professionals/health-systems-medical-professionals/management
¹ Statista. (2021, December 14). Estimated number of people with dementia in the Philippines 2015-2050. https://www.statista.com/statistics/738346/philippines-projected-number-of-people-with-dementia/
Tips for caregivers and families of people with dementia | Alzheimers.gov. (n.d.). https://www.alzheimers.gov/life-with-dementia/tips-caregivers