Dr. Fatima Al Ali, Director of Al-Amal Hospital for Mental Health affiliated with the Emirates Health Services Corporation, revealed global expectations that the number of people with Alzheimer’s disease will increase by 276%, or about 152 million people in the year 2050.
And she identified 10 common mistakes that families make when dealing with an Alzheimer’s patient, the most prominent of which is the suffering of stigma and discrimination, and their exposure to marginalization and underestimation of their health condition, which affects their social and psychological lives and increases their psychological and emotional problems, warning that stigma is due to the patient’s feeling of shame and helplessness, and affects his self-confidence and abilities. , adding that stigma may cause the patient to become isolated and withdraw from participating in social activities.
She called for changing the stereotypical and discriminatory view of the disease, dealing with patients in a humane manner, appreciating their capabilities and capabilities, and providing them with the necessary support and care, noting the need to educate society about the disease and identify its symptoms and methods of dealing with it, by participating in awareness-raising activities and initiatives, and supporting health centers. and concerned NGOs.
One of the mistakes addressed by the Director of Al-Amal Hospital for Mental Health is the lack of understanding of the nature of the disease, which is a type of dementia, which affects the brain and the vital functions of the patient, which can lead to significant behavioral and psychological changes, stressing the importance of family members understanding the medical condition and methods of dealing with it. She touched on the need for special measures taken by the patient’s family in order to provide him with the necessary care and support. She also referred to the challenge of lack of understanding and patience among those around the patient, because Alzheimer’s disease causes major changes in personality and behavior, and the patient may become pessimistic or hostile at times.
-Dr. Fatima Al Ali drew attention to the need to give the patient freedom of choice regarding his life and the role of that in preserving his dignity, and pointed to a common mistake represented in dealing inappropriately with an Alzheimer’s patient, calling for avoiding abuse or mocking him given the repercussions of this behavior and its impact on the case. His psychological and social feelings of frustration and helplessness, and usually inappropriate dealing with the patient is one of the reasons for his feeling of isolation and introversion.
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And she stated that excessive protection and lack of understanding of the patient increase levels of anxiety and depression, which confirms the need to provide psychological and social support to the patient, and to encourage participation in social and family activities, warning against the consequences of neglecting medication and medical care and paying attention to any changes in the patient’s condition and communication. Dr. Fatima Al Ali talked about steps that reduce the risk of disease or slow its progression, including exercising regularly, following a healthy diet, engaging in mind-stimulating activities such as reading, while controlling chronic diseases such as pressure and diabetes, and stopping smoking due to its association with By accelerating brain aging, which increases the risk of infection, and reduces stress and social involvement, she warns of the association of social isolation with an increased risk of Alzheimer’s.
And she advised, when dealing with an Alzheimer’s patient, the necessity of providing a safe and familiar environment for him, communicating clearly, reminding the patient of important matters, and taking care of his health and care.
