In 2050, Türkiye is expected to be in the 4th place...

Experts say that in Alzheimer's Disease, which is considered a familial disease, patients become completely dependent on the caregiver due to the progression of the disease and the patient's need for another in most of their vital activities, which often results in burnout and depression in the caregiver. Noting that according to the World Alzheimer's Report, Türkiye is expected to rank 4th among the countries with the disease in 2050, Doğan stated that supporting the caregiver in Alzheimer's means supporting the patient.

Üsküdar University Graduate School of Social Sciences Instructor İdil Arasan Doğan said that Alzheimer's Disease is stated as a global public health problem by the World Health Organization (WHO). Pointing out that the incidence of Alzheimer's disease, which is known to affect more than 55 million people and defined as a neuropsychiatric disease, has increased even more in the 65 and over age group, Doğan stated that there is an increase in diagnoses seen at an early age today.

Türkiye is expected to rank 4th in 2050

Doğan, who carries out studies and projects in the field of Alzheimer's Disease, informed on the future of Alzheimer's disease as follows: "According to the data by WHO, only a quarter of countries around the world have a national strategy to support the patient and their family, especially regarding Alzheimer's, which is known to have a serious care problem. However, Türkiye is expected to rank 4th among the countries with the disease in 2050 according to the World Alzheimer's Report (2022). It is important to urgently develop precautions and protective interventions and to prioritize patients' relatives and caregivers especially for our country, which has an increasing elderly population."

Alzheimer's disease is considered a familial disease

Noting that Alzheimer's Disease is considered a family disease, İdil Arasan Doğan continued her remarks as follows: "With the progression of the disease and the need for one another in most of the vital activities of the patient, patients become completely dependent on the caregiver in the process. Therefore, the caregiver in Alzheimer's disease means 'real decision-maker'. In Alzheimer's disease, which involves a heavy caregiving process and burden of care, the inability to manage the process psychologically reflects negatively on the relationship between the patient and the caregiver, and causes conflicts in the relationship as a result of changing roles. And this often results in burnout and depression for the Caregiver."

The patient may be asked to help with household chores

Explaining that Alzheimer's disease manifests itself with regression in cognitive functions, decrease in activities of daily living and behavioral changes, Doğan also gave the following information on the disease:

"From an early age, quality of life and adaptation to activities of daily living are seen as very decisive. In this context, it is very valuable to support patients with mental, psychomotor, physical and art/music activities. Especially, it can be applied to include help in household chores, to prepare a list of daily needs, to take a walk, to listen to favorite music and to take care of plants."

It is important to take advantage of smart watches for Alzheimer's patients to get lost

Explaining that it is very likely that alienation from the environment and situations in Alzheimer's disease and balance problems occur in walking, İdil Arasan Doğan stated that "Of course, ensuring home security by acting in line with the rhythms of the patient comes first. Recommendations include balance exercises to prevent falls, slippery floors such as bathrooms, and window and door safety. For getting lost, making use of smart watches and configuring camera tracking systems at home make the processes easier."

Day care centers can help socially and emotionally

Stating that the most difficult process in Alzheimer's disease is the process of meeting behavioral symptoms, Doğan said that "These symptoms can be seen as physical/verbal violence, agitation (all kinds of loud, verbal and/or motor behaviors that endanger the safety of a person, themselves or their close environment), disinhibition (decrease or loss of control), constant wandering or inappropriate behaviors. These experiences can be expressed as the processes that are most challenging for caregivers."

Referring to the day care centers of the Alzheimer Association of Türkiye, Doğan said that these centers carry out activities that support patients and their relatives socially and emotionally, and that this is a comforting mechanism for the caregiver.

Adaptation to everyday life is being carried out

Stating that cognitive, psychomotor, physical and artistic activities serve as rehabilitation in such centers, Doğan said:

"Information and rehabilitation programs for caregivers are also implemented. Activities aimed at object recognition, color separation, and preserving fine and gross muscle skills are important in adaptation to everyday life. Moreover, breathing exercises should be done with patients. Exercises such as blowing out candles, flying cotton, singing and inflating balloons can also be given as examples."

Caregivers should be supported

Stating that Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative disease that makes the person dependent on another person over time and includes a heavy burden of care, İdil Arasan Doğan said that "Supporting the caregiver means supporting the patient. It is necessary to create short and long-term plans for both the world and our country in line with the regulation of a dementia-friendly environment and to protect the dignity of both the patient and the caregiver, which is among the goals of the World Health Organization."

Üsküdar News Agency (ÜNA)