'Every elderly person, memory loss is not dementia'
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, September 21 2023: Indian Psychiatry Society, Manipur state branch in association with JNIMS Psychiatric Department observed the World Alzheimer Day under the theme 'Never too early, never too late' at the conference hall of JNIMS, here, on Thursday.

Indian Psychiatry Society, Manipur president and RIMS psychiatry department head Dr Koijam Shantibala, who presided over the function, said that Alzheimer's disease is a type of dementia in which the brain cells degrade gradually, resulting in memory loss.

However, every elderly person or issue of memory loss is not dementia or Alzheimer.

Around 5 per cent of people in the age group of 65 years and above, 20 per cent in the age group of 70 years and above, and 40 per cent in the age group of 80 years above are prone to the disease, she explained.

Dr Shantibala further said that at least one person is diagnosed with Alzheimer every three minute globally and the total global population suffering the disease is projected at 14 crore by 2050.Even though it is not curable, one can control the progression by following certain habits like consuming healthy food, doing regular exercise, socialising and having adequate sleep.

She also emphasised the important role played by care givers in looking after people suffering from this disease and also stressed on early detection to provide timely intervention and minimise the impact in the family.

Addressing the gathering as chief guest, JNIMS director Dr L Deben expressed his belief that prevalence of mental disorder would be high given the present situation in the state.

Considering the restive situation gripping the state, it is the right time to observe the World Alzheimer Day as its observance will help in creating awareness among the public about Alzheimer's disease, he said.

He appealed to the public not to hide when somebody in their family is suffering from dementia since timely intervention would help address the condition to a great extent.

Even if the disease is not curable, regular exercise, routine and adequate sleep, and eating healthy foods could prevent further progression of the disease significantly.

Awareness and understanding is the key to timely intervention in the treatment of the disease, he said.

Leaving the condition without treatment could not only affect one's ability to perform normal functions but also affect the family relationship, especially between couples.

As stated by some speakers during the observance, he assured of exploring intervention measures.

He also said that family heads should consider distribution of wealth among the children before they develop such psychological issues or dementia.

JNIMS medical superintendent Dr Kh Lokeshwar, retired sessions judge A Noutuneshwari and IPS Manipur former president Dr S Manikanta also attended the programme as guests of honour.

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