This year, in celebration of the National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Week (every 3^rd week of September), ADAP goes to Bacolod City (western Visayas region) on September 22 – 24.

ADAP will be holding:

on September 22:

• A workshop on the screening tools for dementia  for physicians and nurses

on September 23:  

• A postgraduate course for primary care physicians, neurologists, psychiatrists and geriatricians  on the “updates in the Diagnosis, Treatment and Prevention of Alzheimer’s Disease and related Disorders 8:00 am to 6:00 pm at the Benjamin Hall
• A postgraduate training course for nurses, professional caregivers and psychologists 1:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the Benjamin Hall
• A half-day training course for barangay health workers 8:00 am to 12 noon at the Government Center

Since the declaration of the third week of September as National Alzheimer’s Awareness Week through Presidential Decree 1130, ADAP has been to Cebu, Ilocos Norte and Baguio to establish a framework of interaction among local government of the province, the family caregivers and its healthcare providers.  This year, ADAP focused on the province of Laguna, at the capital city of Sta. Cruz.

ADAP conducted a workshop on the different screening tools to core members of the LosBanos Community-Based Dementia Care project, which aims to incorporate dementia care into the primary healthcare of the community. September 17, It also conducted a basic dementia training course for barangay health workers of Laguna, attended by about 960 participants from the 30 municipalities of the province,  in collaboration with the government of Laguna headed by Governor E.R.Ejercito and the Laguna Medical Society; in the afternoon, a post-graduate training course for primary care physicians, nurses and therapists was held, based on the book “Alzheimer’s Disease Association of the Philippines Recommendation on the Diagnosis, Prevention and Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease (and related disorders)”.

The  pioneer officers of the ADAP Laguna chapter  led by the president Dr. Maria Victoria Turalba and vice-president Dr. Marlyne Paunlagi were inducted by ADAP President Dr. Ma. Socorro Martinez.

In being one with the world in the celebration of World Alzheimer’s Day 2010, the traditional “Memory Walk” was held last Sept 18, Saturday, participated by over 2,000 participants, paraded around the capital city of Sta. Cruz.  After the walk, a lay forum was held at the Cultural Center of the province.

MABUHAY ANG ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE ASSOCIATION OF THE PHILIPPINES!

In the Philippines, spearheading the educational campaign about the disease is the Alzheimers Disease Association of the Philippines (ADAP) led by its president, Ma. Socorro Martinez, M.D.AD affects all groups in society, regardless of social class, gender, race or geographical location. While it is more common among elderly persons, younger people have been known to be affected. Perhaps the most famous AD victim was the former US President Ronald Reagan who battled the disease for more than a decade. Because of Reagan, the world is now more aware of its devastating effects on the brain.

AD attacks those parts of the brain that control thought, memory and language. This is why the person appears confused or as we would say tulero.

Eventually, as dementia sets in, they may become irrational and violent due to behavioral and personality changes. Gradually, they experience difficulty in finding words to express what they want to say. They cant seem to follow simple directions or to do routine tasks like washing hands. Eventually, they forget names and fail to recognize people close to them, including spouse and family.

Early symptoms may be mistaken as ulyanin (senile), the typical signs of ageing. It begins with forgetfulness or absentmindedness. In the middle stage, they may recall with accuracy events that happened many years ago but wont remember what they did this morning.

One becomes disoriented in time and lost in familiar places. Initially, the person becomes listless, lacking motivation and may alternately be depressed and aggressive.

Alzheimers disease is the most common form of dementia.

An AD patient eventually becomes very dependent for even the simplest things like personal hygiene, ie, in the toilet, taking baths, dressing up, etc. They no longer can cook, clean or feed themselves. They become so forgetful they get lost even in the house. They become spooked with hallucinations, along with paranoia.

The final stage is one of total dependence and inactivity. They can no longer care for themselves, they suffer bladder and bowel incontinence, and may be confined to a wheelchair or bed because they cant walk.

For now, there is no cure of Alzheimers Disease. Still, an early diagnosis is crucial in order than the caregiver will be better equipped to deal with the disease and the patient himself will be aware of what to expect.

Also, several studies indicate that certain activities have been found to be helpful for keeping AD symptoms at bay such as keeping the brain active by making a habit of reading, doing crossword puzzles, etc… in short, continually stimulating the brain. A routine of exercise helps to keep the body healthy even though the mind is blown.

A booklet titled Help for Caregivers has been made available by the Alzheimers Disease International (ADI), a federation of national AD societies around the world, for families and support groups of AD sufferers.

The booklet provides information about AD and other forms of dementia as well as advise for the care of AD sufferers. It was the result of collaborations between doctors, families and WHO.

Article from: Manila Bulletin

Article date: September 12, 2004