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What can be done
Every one should practise
methods of health protection which include eating right, exercising and
abstaining from tobacco and alcohol
What the
patients can do for themselves
At the present state of understanding about the causes of
Alzheimer’s disease, there is nothing anyone can do to guarantee that he or
she or their loved ones will not get Alzheimer’s disease. As a consequence,
various hypotheses have been advanced with regard to its prevention. The
absence of proof does not mean these hypotheses and clinical impressions have
to be abandoned. Rather, they have to be borne in mind and accepted or
rejected when evidence suggests so. Time will tell fact from fiction.
At the moment, every one should practise
the well-known methods of health protection and promotion, such as eating
right, exercising and abstaining from tobacco and alcohol. Although not
directly linked to the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease, good health in
youth is a prerequisite to good health in old age.
Good health also requires paying timely attention to all
easily treatable conditions which are known to adversely affect health, such
as high blood pressure, obesity and diabetes. Control of these factors would
be a protective measure against heart attacks and strokes and may also
safeguard against Alzheimer’s disease, although this remains conjectural.
There is an increasing awareness about the harmful effects
of stress and mental tension on the human body. Researchers hope to learn
much more in this century about "the mind" since this is believed
to mediate emotions and stress. The age-old tradition of meditation is well
known to control stress, so its practice is certainly desirable.
What the family
can do
Family members should be aware of early warning signs
which may suggest that one of the older members may be on the verge of
developing Alzheimer’s disease. Early diagnosis and early intervention can be
beneficial both to the patient and the family.
As the disease progresses, the family remains the main
pillar of support for the patient. The traditions of eastern culture and the
lack of special care units make it clear that the patient is best cared for
within the family. However, this imposes an immense burden on the family for
which support should be sought. Families and others will benefit by joining self-help
groups or support groups, as these are well known to provide social and
psychological support to members. If there is no support group in the area,
families may wish to start a new group.
What the
community can do
Families with a member suffering from Alzheimer’s disease
carry a huge burden of caring and need the support of neighbours
and the community. Neighbours can also provide
respite care to the tired care-giver.
Special training programmes for
lay care-givers can be organized in the community. In addition, awareness
campaigns can be launched by community activists to educate those who may not
be aware of this dreadful disease and its early manifestation.
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Alzheimer’s Disease
International (ADI) can be reached at their website: http://www.alz.co.uk
and they can share information and experiences and learn from one another
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What NGOs can
do: Alzheimer’s Disease International
Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI) is an umbrella
organization of 57 national Alzheimer’s associations throughout the world,
and is in official relationship with the World Health Organization. Each
national Alzheimer’s association, which supports people with this disease and
their families, is an ADI member. ADI’s key aim is
to build and strengthen Alzheimer’s associations worldwide so that they are
better able to meet the needs of people with Alzheimer’s disease and their
care-givers.
Alzheimer’s associations around the world provide
practical and emotional help and information to families, health care
professionals and the community; advocacy efforts to governments; training
family and professional care-givers and provide direct services such as day
and respite care.
ADI is attempting to reach out to patients and care-givers
worldwide by encouraging the formation of new Alzheimer’s associations. By
coming together, forming partnerships and sharing expertise and knowledge on
a global basis, Alzheimer’s associations are better able to tackle the
challenges of this disease.
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