A comforting environment | TNS

EIn just sixty seconds, a person in the world develops an incurable disease that affects not only their physical health, but also their memory, thinking, behavior and emotions. The brain chemistry of this person is starting to change, describing symptoms such as memory loss and sensory abilities. The brain begins to contract until an empty space is created, affecting the brain cells, nerves and transmitters of the victim. Agitation, anxiety, delusions, depression, hallucinations, insomnia and wandering are all inevitable behavioral symptoms that accompany this disease. Dementia (progressive degenerative brain syndromes) affects 48 million people worldwide and their number is expected to triple by 2050.

Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia in the world. According to Pakistani neurologist Wasey Shakir, "the extrapolated prevalence of people with dementia in Pakistan is around 200,000". However, despite these alarming numbers, awareness and badistance to cope with this disease are limited in the country. Alzheimer's Pakistan (National Organization for Alzheimer's Disease and Associated Dementias) is one of a kind. Since its inception in 1999, the organization has not only educated the general public about the disease, but has also provided services such as memory clinics and support groups.

The organization recently developed the first day care center in Pakistan for people with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. The Alzheimer Day Care Resource Center currently located in Johar City, Lahore is open to adults with mild to moderate stages of Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. Services such as physiotherapy, daily lunches, light exercise, specialized activities, door-to-door transportation to the center, medical services, a weekly memory clinic and psychologist services are available free of charge at the clinic. .

Dr. Hussain Jafri, Secretary General of Alzheimer Pakistan and the spirit of the project, explains how the daycare (under Alzheimer's Pakistan) was built so that "what we suffered should not be suffered by others!". by dementia in the 1990s. Doctors were unable to diagnose the disease, leaving us with no way to treat the symptoms. It took us about a year and a half to get the diagnosis. In the absence of awareness and treatment, the treatment of the disease has become extremely difficult. The daycare in Lahore ensures that treatment is free for all families and that any questions or concerns can be resolved instantly. the process of taking care of the suffering of loved ones easier.

Although the illness is extremely troubling to the sufferer, it also has enormous emotional consequences for the patient's family. "By leaving their seniors with us for a few hours, caretakers can take a break and continue their daily tasks without having to worry about constantly keeping a loved one," says Dr. Jafri.

Daycare visitors spend an entire day outside the house in an interesting and productive environment. Their day begins with group sitting and listening to recitations of the Qur'an, Naats and Sufi folk songs. Center staff then read the newspaper out loud to keep visitors informed of events around the world. Then comes a wide range of activities for patients. A personal relationship is established with each patient so that the activities performed are tailored to each patient and in accordance with his personal preferences. These activities range from coloring to drawing, including drawing and board games, to everything that interests visitors. After lunch, after which patients have time to relax and sit down.

On average, the center welcomes a dozen visitors each day, who are chosen and placed in their homes. Six trained staff members are available to take care of these visitors with a doctor present every two weeks. As a member of Alzheimer's Disease International, the daycare has formed a twinning partnership with Australia, the world leader in dementia-related diseases. Australian experts visited the daycare and offered technical badistance and training related to the treatment of the disease. This makes the staff and the general atmosphere of the daycare extremely efficient and accommodating. "The only services provided for this disease in Pakistan are those provided by" Alzheimer's Pakistan ", with information centers in Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Multan and Karachi and a daycare in Lahore," says Dr. Hussain Jafri.

According to experts, a day care center for patients with dementia is an excellent alternative to older homes because it allows the patient to stay in touch with their family, while relieving the shoulders and responsibilities of caregivers. Even when patients do not specifically remember their families, the feeling of familiarity at home is essential to their well-being.

Every day from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, this daycare in Lahore offers a warm, stimulating and friendly environment that helps adults with dementia stay active and involved in the world around them. Daycare is a place where visitors can participate in activities designed to make sense of their lives by improving their mental and physical functioning!