Bengaluru: The elderly population above the age of 65 in the country comprises of 8.9 % or 110 million of the total population and a majority of them are vulnerable to dementia and other related chronic conditions which they might have assumed as Alzheimer’s. A significant proportion of the elderly population is bedridden and there is a need for various medical approaches to address Alzheimer’s and detention related disorders.
Though the number of cases in the city has increased over the years, confusion still prevails among people about Alzheimer’s. It is, in fact, a neurological disorder in which dementia is a syndrome and is not a single disease but is a general term to describe the symptoms related to memory and thinking.
Dr Aravinda R.V., a consultant neurologist, Brains Neuro Spine Hospital, said, “It is important for a doctor to rectify these problems. In our hospital, out of 60% of people with Alzheimer’s, around 40% are dementia-affected. People before the treatment think that they have Alzimer’s.”
He said, “To regulate Alzheimer’s, patients have to be involved in continuous mental tasks and brain games like suduko, Rubik’s Cube etc. The patient’s life can also be planned for the future by making them realise that they are not the same for the next couple of years.”
On World Alzheimer’s Day on Saturday, Columbia Asia Hospital organised an event for senior citizens at the Rotary Orchards Senior Citizen home. About 35 senior citizens took part in fun-filled activities like quiz competition related to culture and art, spell bee and ended with a small dance session.
