Varishta  વરિષ્ટ
Dedicated to increasing awareness about dementia and mobilising support for those affected.

ગુજરાતીમાં ડિમેન્શિયા વિષે માહીતી મેળવવાનું એકજ સ્થાન
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Hospitalisation & Dementia

18/10/2014

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When a person with dementia needs to be hospitalised, things are very very complex. Hospitals, nursing departments are not geared towards managing the special needs of a person with dementia.  Caregivers find that they have to reiterate special instructions to staff, and that there very little adjustment made to the different perceptions of reality that dementia brings.

The person with dementia may not be able to remember what they ate for lunch, or what the date is or describe their symptoms, yet medical professionals insist on collecting case history and symptoms from them, and giving them instructions. Caregivers and family members who have gone through this describe these incidents and the problems that they cause.

An article from The Guardian describes the care level for people with dementia in hospitals in England as ‘poor’ and discusses these issues. Persons with dementia may go without food, or remain in pain because they cannot communicate their needs. Staff may not understand the patients needs or changes in behaviour which indicated their needs or identify the presence of pain. Information was not shared between services, leading to the needs of the person not being met.

Medical and hospital services in India are still treating persons with dementia in the same fashion as they  treat other patients. Other countries do have specialised medical and care services for people with dementia and their families. We have a long way to go to make these services dementia friendly.

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Does Less "D" mean more Dementia?

16/10/2014

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Research has connected vitamin D deficiency in the elderly with an increased risk of dementia due to Alzheimer’s or other diseases. Vitamin D deficiency has also been associated with vascular dysfunction and brain atrophy. A Chilean experiment showed that providing Vitamin D supplements improved balance and mobility in elderly.

Though we still do not know the actual cause of diseases like Alzheimer’s that cause dementia, we should heed the results of such research. Vitamin D deficiencies can mostly be addressed easily.

Getting enough sunlight is important. A stroll outdoors can provide both exercise to boost your circulation and sunlight to give you Vitamin D. People who remain indoors due to disability, age or apathy may not be receiving enough sunlight. Asking a doctor to provide Vitamin D supplements may help in these conditions. So be sure you and your loved ones get the required dose of Vitamin D, through sunshine or a supplement.


Sources:
Experimental Gerontology, Volume 41, Issue 8, August 2006
http://www.neurology.org/content/early/2014/08/06/WNL.0000000000000755.full.html



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Can we prevent Alzheimer's? Know the risk factors.

6/10/2014

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With one new case of Dementia every 4 seconds, (WHO) we need to be aware of the factors that may increase the risk of getting dementia in later life. The cause of Alzheimer's is not known, but healthy living may help.
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The problem of decreased sleep!

24/8/2014

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When people grow older they sleep less. This commonly accepted change can cause many problems for those who are taking care of an elderly person who has Alzheimer's. It is not just about someone staying awake at night, but about the chances of that person getting confused and wandering or having an accident in the house. Often the caretakers lose well needed sleep, and there is a niggling doubt that the sleeplessness is due to bad management of the patient's routine during the day.

For the first time, there is research which looks at the physical reason for this lack of sleep. The Sa[er lab at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) found that certain inhibitory neurons were reponsible for making us sleep. When these neurons are lost in elderly people or those with Alzheimer's the ability to sleep normally is greatly reduced.

The researchers have tested their hypothesis by analysing data from 
the Rush Memory and Aging Project, which has been studying of aging and dementia in almost 1000 people since 1997. This is a remarkable study, healthy subjects entered at the age of 65, and they are followed for the rest of their lives. When they die, their brains are donated for research.

"The fewer the neurons, the more fragmented the sleep became." says Saper. The study may lead to new methods to decrease sleep problems in the elderly and prevent sleep-deprivation-related cognitive decline in people with dementia. Read more about the research here.
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A First! Diagnosis Of Alzheimers Found Wrong

15/12/2013

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In a noteworty development a woman diagnosed with Alzheimers found that she actually did not have the disease after further investigations. This is not just a momentuous finding for one individual, but a remarkable step forward for everyone who is interested in Alzheimers. Read about it here.
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Its a global issue, is India joining the world?

7/12/2013

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Dementia is a global issue, and around the world communities and governments are rising to meet the challenge. One sees hope that the families and patients who have been dealing with dementia related issues will now get greater support.

India needs more initiatives in this area. What needs to change first is society's attitude towards dementia. In London an international dementia summit is to be held on the 11th of December. I plan to tune into the proceedings online and watch. Do find time to take a look. Learn about dementia and understand how you, your family and community need to be involved.
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A look at end of life management

6/11/2013

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In my search for the best interventions and services that can be offered to people with dementia, today I came across a Youtube video on End of Life that really uplifted my expectations, showed me what was possible. Yes dementia will have it's way, but some things can be still made better with planning and care. Do write in your comments and opinions after watching the video. Don't miss her smile at the end in recognition of her grandchild.
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November 04th, 2013

4/11/2013

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Today is "Bestu Varsh" the Hindu New Year. After Diwali which is the festival of lights, the advent of a new year brings hope and the promise of renewal. Wishing all my freinds and supporters and their families a year of heath & happiness.

I have been away from the blog and site for some time having been occupied with the shifting base from Gandhinagar to Ahmedabad, so that I can take Plus-Care forward. I am also attending Coursera's online sessions on Caregiving for Elders with Alzheimer's.

One of my fellow participant's has posted a poem in the forum from a
local magazine, Caledon Spectrum, vol 4, issue ii, Autumn 2013 (p53). I thought
 I must share it with all of you:

An Alzheimer Patient's Ten Requests

Please be patient with me
I am the helpless victim of a brain disease.
Talk to me.
Even though I can not always answer.
Be kind to me.
Each day of my life is a desperate struggle.
Consider my feelings.
They are still very much alive within me.
Treat me with dignity and respect.
As I would have gladly treated you.
Remember my past.
For I was once a healthy vibrant person.
Remember my present.
For I am still living.
Remember my future.
Though it may seem bleak to you.
Pray for me.
For I am a person who lingers in
the mists of time and eternity.
Love me.
And the gifts of love you give will be a
blessing forever ...

                        ---- Anonymous
       
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Dementia walk in Bangalore

22/9/2013

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Nightingales Trust completed its walk from Kolar to Bangalore to create awareness about dementia on the occasion of World Alzheimer's Day. Other cities in India also need to create awareness about dementia and support systems for the patients and their families. Read more about the walk here.
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The challenge for the caregiver

21/9/2013

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What is the difference in caring for elders with Alzheimer's or other similar forms of dementia. or even people affected by other types of illness or disability, These illnesses are complex and may take different paths in different cases. A recent research reiterates what many care givers know, caregiving in these situations is a very stressful. The report is available on the Carer's Trust website. The progression of the disease is unpredictable. Caregivers may need to understand the issues and need support at various levels. Counseling, medical advice, social support and sometimes even legal and financial advice are important. .Caregivers are at a greater risk for depression. Family members and medical professionals need to understand this and extend their support.
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    Daksha Bhat is interested in the management of ageing. As our society ages we need to create structures that will support the needs of the ageing population. We need to talk about the issues, understand them, and create the social environment that will lead to better services for the elderly. This website is a small attempt to be part of a bigger solution.

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Contact us if you need counseling for Dementia. We provide counseling online in Gujarati & English.
ડિમેન્શિયા વિષે વધુ જાણવા માટે, અથવા સલાહ માટે અમારો સમ્પર્ક કરો. ફોન / ઓનલાઈન કૌન્સ્લીંગ ઉપલબ્ધ છે.
Contact us to learn more or to contribute to the cause.

Varishta is an initiative by Silversmile Eldercare Foundation, a not for profit company registered u/s 8 of the Companies Act 2013, created to spread awareness about dementia in the elderly caused by Alzheimer's and other diseases and  provide support for elders with dementia and their caregivers. Varishta provides information about dementia in Gujarati, and provides counseling and training about dementia in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.

Information provided by this site is intended to increase awareness, and is not a substitute for medical advice.
The graphics on the site are created by Daksha Bhat, or used with the permission of their respective owners, or under a creative commons license. Please do not copy or reuse any part of the site. You may contact us if you wish to use any content.