Üsküdar University Graduate School of Social Sciences organized an event on September 21 for World Alzheimer’s Day. The event, held under the main theme “Ask About Dementia, Ask About Alzheimer’s”, addressed the effects of Alzheimer’s disease on both patients and their families from a multidisciplinary perspective. The discussions emphasized how the challenges of the process can be managed through support, empathy, holistic care, rehabilitation, social activities, and family cooperation. It was highlighted that Alzheimer’s affects not only memory but also behavior, independent living, and social relationships. Additionally, it was underlined that patients’ quality of life can be improved through physiotherapy and various activities.
The event, held at Üsküdar University Çarşı Campus Emirnebi 2 Conference Hall, hosted Asst. Prof. İdil Arasan Doğan (Üsküdar University Graduate School of Social Sciences), Dr. Psych. İnci Birincioğlu, Social Worker Cengiz Çelikçi, Elderly Care Center Co-Founder Dietitian Berfin Dinsel İnan, Physiotherapist Tuncay Yürüyücü, and Alzheimer’s patient relative Sertaç Süslü.
Asst. Prof. İdil Arasan Doğan: “If individuals and families are supported, the process can be managed much more easily”
Stating that Alzheimer’s is a difficult process that requires 24-hour care, Asst. Prof. İdil Arasan Doğan from Üsküdar University Graduate School of Social Sciences said: “Alzheimer’s is not considered a normal part of life. We know that delayed diagnoses are predominantly linked to genetic processes, and the course of the disease progresses more aggressively. Therefore, it is not really possible to dismiss it simply as ‘old age, dementia, or Alzheimer’s.’ This is a societal issue. If individuals and families are supported, if their emotions are acknowledged, the process becomes much more manageable. We are talking about a process that requires 24-hour care. This means taking responsibility for another person’s life. Therefore, it is a serious care burden. It leads to exhaustion, which in turn can trigger depression or anxiety.”
“Currently, there are more than 1 million diagnosed individuals in our country”
Emphasizing the importance of both post-diagnosis support and social awareness during the course of the disease, Dr. Doğan said: “In our relationships, we try to establish emotion-based bonds. However, especially in the post-diagnosis stages, support often falls short, and accessibility becomes a major issue. National dementia plans are being implemented with governments; some are realized, while others are only partially carried out. Here, the role of local governments and universities is very important. In recent years, some drugs have been developed, and we see news such as ‘A cure for Alzheimer’s has been found.’ However, these drugs are still in the trial phase, usually applied to very early-onset patients, and they have significant side effects. Therefore, as of today, we cannot talk about a definitive cure for Alzheimer’s. Currently, it is known that there are more than one million diagnosed individuals in our country. At the same time, Alzheimer’s patients and their families also face discrimination. Relatives of patients become socially isolated and may feel ashamed because of their patients’ behaviors. However, when they learn and internalize the process in a healthier way, they realize that this is not actually the case.”
Dr. Psych. İnci Birincioğlu: “Even how words are spoken can be forgotten”
Speaking under the title “Clinical Course of Alzheimer’s Disease and Changes in the Brain”, Dr. Psych. İnci Birincioğlu said: “The brain is a very complex organ. Nerve cells transmit information through axons and synapses. If proteins are not broken down properly, waste that is unrecognized by the brain accumulates, and cells disconnect from each other and die. In Alzheimer’s, symptoms only appear after tens of thousands of cells are lost. This is why the disease often goes unnoticed for a long time. Over time, difficulties in finding words, expressing oneself, and maintaining social relationships begin to emerge. It is not only forgetfulness, but even how words are also spoken can be forgotten.”
Sertaç Süslü: “As relatives of patients, we want more empathy and sensitivity”
Sertaç Süslü, a relative of an Alzheimer’s patient, emphasized the importance of empathy: “As patient relatives, we want more empathy and sensitivity. The only problem Alzheimer’s patients face is not just this disease. We often have to make frequent hospital visits, but during these processes, we want to be received with understanding and not kept waiting. As the disease progresses, disability develops, and the disability report process is very exhausting for both our patients and us. Sometimes we encounter specialists who do not know the course of Alzheimer’s, which makes the process even harder. Most patient relatives work; during the day they are at work, and at night they provide care, which overwhelms people, some even have to quit their jobs. That is why we need day-care homes where art, music, physical, and cognitive therapies can be provided. We also experience serious problems in public transportation. We expect support from our municipalities in this regard.”
Cengiz Çelikçi: “We meet our patients anew every day”
Social Worker Cengiz Çelikçi spoke under the title “The Example of Kadıköy Alzheimer’s Center in Day-Care and Nursing Services in Local Governments”: “The aim of our center is to improve patients’ quality of life, ensure psychological well-being, and raise awareness among patient relatives. We accept Alzheimer’s patients in the early and middle stages and evaluate them with cognitive tests. We provide services two days a week, for two hours each day, but our capacity is limited, and there is great demand. At our center, we carry out mental activities, exercises, dance, drama, and memory-sharing workshops. We meet our patients anew every day; instead of confronting them with the disease, we organize activities that make them feel good. Older adults especially find great joy in being with younger people.”
Names may be forgotten but love and care never!
Dietitian Berfin Dinsel İnan, Co-Founder of the Elderly Care Center, made striking remarks in her talk titled “A Holistic Approach to Alzheimer’s in Institutional Care: Nutrition and Support”: “Alzheimer’s radically changes daily life. Morning routines become difficult, mealtimes get confused, sense of time and day is lost, and the same questions are repeated. Even small changes can cause great distress. At this point, institutional care becomes important. Patients are monitored 24/7 by doctors, nurses, dietitians, and care teams; medication and health checks are performed regularly; and social activities reduce their loneliness. Care is not only about medication and medical monitoring but also about nutrition, attention, activities, and family support. We must walk side by side with families because without them sharing the patient’s past and habits with us, we cannot manage the process in a healthy way. In Alzheimer’s, names may be forgotten, but love and care are never forgotten.”
Tuncay Yürüyücü: “We support cognitive functions and emotional well-being”
Physiotherapist Tuncay Yürüyücü spoke under the title “Quality of Life in Alzheimer’s Through Movement and Physiotherapy”: “Alzheimer’s affects not only memory but also behavior and independent living. Through exercise, we preserve muscle strength, improve balance and coordination, and support cognitive functions and emotional well-being. The brain is open to development throughout life; new information, social activities, balanced nutrition, and quality sleep strengthen this process. We reduce sitting time for patients and encourage activities like climbing stairs and walking. Social interaction and spending time with grandchildren are also very important. Once we earn patients’ trust, the sessions become much more productive.”
The event concluded with a group photo.