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Love remembers: Local org launches 2nd edition of Alzheimer’s Disease reference book
The book launch of the Alzheimer's guide's second edition.
"Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is one of the most devastating brain ailments a person can experience... [But] it's often a misunderstood condition," said Dr. Ma. Socorro C. Martinez, president of Alzheimer's Disease Association of the Philippines (ADAP), a local organization that supports AD awareness.
And through an updated guidebook, the organization hopes to give light to around 500,000 Filipinos who are suffering from the disease, which is just one form of the brain disease called dementia.
On Monday, ADAP launched the second edition of its reference book, "Recommendations on the Diagnosis, Prevention, and Management of Alzheimer's Disease" at Fully Booked, Bonifacio Global City in Taguig City.
The first edition was released in 2005 and used by Filipino physicians as a guide for caring for patients with Alzheimer's Disease. The second edition is an updated and revised version of the first release, which incorporates developments in dementia research and changes in healthcare practices over the past few years.
The new version of the reference book has eight chapters, each tackling a certain topic such as diagnosis; pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapies; as well as the legal, ethical, and psychosocial issues on advance directives and end-of-life care. It also tackled the Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD), which is the most 'distressing' challenge of handling the health problem, the doctors shared.
Love remembers
Dr. Grace O. Orteza, convenor of the reference book and member of ADA board of directors, a person's journey with AD is like going through the sunset. Darker days will be ahead, she shared. People may choose to face it with fear or embrace it with love. Love remembers, the group stressed. Love will always remember.
Martinez reassured, "I have often seen the soothing and tender touch of a family member being reciprocated with an equally, loving smile from a person with dementia, even at the end stage of the disease."
Caregiver's booklet, comic book for kids
According to ADAP's Mary Fontanilla, dementia is "more forgiving" on the patient because he or she forgets about it, but it's more challenging to the family members and caregivers. This is why ADAP's support group committee came up with a booklet titled, "Caregiving Guide for Persons with Alzheimer's Disease." Its goal is to help families and caregivers of patients with Alzheimers Disease.
The booklet includes quick tips on how to deal with behavioral and psychiatric symptoms of AD, proper nutrition, and finding happiness in caring for a person with the disease.
The booklet includes quick tips on how to deal with behavioral and psychiatric symptoms of AD, proper nutrition, and finding happiness in caring for a person with the disease.
The group has also released a comic book for children called "Love Remembers: Understanding Alzheimer's Disease" to help younger people accept and understand the disease that their lolos and lolas or even parents may be experiencing.
Dementia 101
Alzheimer's Disease is the most common type of dementia, accounting for 60-70 percent of all cases. It is often described as an irreversible neurodegenerative dementia.
Dementia, meanwhile, is a brain disease that involves gradual deterioration or decline of a person's mental functioning that affects daily life.
Although dementia is commonly associated with older people, Martinez explained that the disease can hit people as young as 20 years old. This is because genetics plays a big role in the development of dementia.
Although dementia is commonly associated with older people, Martinez explained that the disease can hit people as young as 20 years old. This is because genetics plays a big role in the development of dementia.
However, age is an important factor of Alzheimer's Disease, which usually affects individuals 65 years old and above. But symptoms can be show years earlier. Moreover, changes in the brain can occur 10 to 20 years before the first detectable symptoms become evident, the group shared.
Symptoms
"Frequent and consistent short-term memory loss is the first clinical manifestation of dementia," Martinez shared. The cases of memory loss should be sufficient enough to interfere with everyday tasks. Difficulty in planning and problem solving may also be a warning sign of the disease. Family members and caregivers should also be on the lookout for changes in personality, mood, and behavior.
"Frequent and consistent short-term memory loss is the first clinical manifestation of dementia," Martinez shared. The cases of memory loss should be sufficient enough to interfere with everyday tasks. Difficulty in planning and problem solving may also be a warning sign of the disease. Family members and caregivers should also be on the lookout for changes in personality, mood, and behavior.
If some of these symptoms have been observed, ADAP recommends bringing the person to a doctor right away for proper diagnosis. After all, diagnosis is the first step to help, the group said.
Prevention
According to Martinez, treatment for AD is a little bit expensive; but drugs for symptomatic treatment are now available in generic brands. These can only give moderate improvement for a limited time, however. Prevention is still the primary key to avoid the disease.
According to Martinez, treatment for AD is a little bit expensive; but drugs for symptomatic treatment are now available in generic brands. These can only give moderate improvement for a limited time, however. Prevention is still the primary key to avoid the disease.
Sticking to a Mediterranean diet can help prevent the onset of the disease, she recommended. Adding highly-colored fruits such as duhat, guyabano, mangosteen, and guava can also help stop or slow the development of AD.
"Playing games on your gadgets can be a tool to sharpen and stimulate the brain," Martinez said. But, activities that involve socializing or conversing with others are still more effective ways to prevent dementia and AD. — VC, GMA News
