JNIMS, RIMS observe World Alzheimer's Day 2024
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, September 21 2024: Instead of confusing significant cognitive decline among the elderlies as normal part of aging, one should consider it as a brain disorder or disease and take up necessary care for the elderlies accordingly, JNIMS Psychiatry Department head Dr Koijam Shantibala has stated.

Indian Psychiatric Society-Manipur State Branch, (IPS-MSB) and Department of Psychiatry, JNIMS jointly observed World Alzheimer's Day on the theme of "Time to Act on Dementia, Time to Act on Alzheimer's" at the premises of the Department on Saturday.

Speaking at the occasion, Dr Shantibala, who is also the president of IPS-MSB, said that Alzheimer is mostly common among people above 65 years of age.

As the function of the cells in the brain start slowing down with age, and the proteins in the brain cells become abnormal, the nerves in the brain start to malfunction.

The first sign of the disease is memory loss.

As the disease progresses, the patient begins forgetting to eat and even to relieve themselves, followed by hallucinations, speech problems and agitation.

Alzheimer patients often times are able to recall the past but unable to retain short-term memory and current situations.

When an elderly reaches this stage, it would be best for caregiver to closely observe other changes to his personality as well, she said.

She continued that there is no cure for Alzheimer presently.

Patients, who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer or dementia, can live from 3 to 11 years and even 20 years, if proper nursing care is provided.

Thus, if an elderly shows signs of Alzheimer, he/she should be encouraged to socialise, do regular exercise and prevent any mental health issues.

As such, the best treatment would be early diagnosis and following up on the measures advised, she asserted.

The observance was also attended by JNIMS MS Dr Kh Lokeshwor; RIMS Psychiatry Department ex-head Dr S Gyaneshwar and IPS-MSB ex-president Dr S Manikanta as presidium members.

RIMS, department of psychiatry commemorated World Alzheimer's Day with a special event at the Old Age Home cum Day Care Centre in Mongsangei, Imphal-West on Saturday.

The programme aimed to raise awareness about Alzheimer's disease and support the elderly community.

According to a statement issued by RIMS media cell, the RIMS team, comprising psychiatrists, nurses, psychiatric social workers, and support staff, made a generous donation of groceries, including rice, vegetables, and nursery plants, to the Home.

Following the donations, the event featured a general health camp where 16 inmates were screened, examined, and interviewed by a team of medical professionals, including consultant psychiatrists, senior residents, psychiatric social workers, and postgraduate students.

Free medications were distributed during the camp, ensuring that the residents received necessary medical attention.

The event concluded on a meaningful note, reinforcing the importance of mental health awareness and care for the elderly, particularly those affected by Alzheimer's disease.

RIMS psychiatry HoD and associate professor Dr S Gogendra attended the event as the chief guest, while general secretary of the Home Sanamacha Singh attended as the guest of honour, the statement added.

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