Experts state that in Alzheimer's, which is considered a family disease, patients become completely dependent on caregivers as the disease progresses and they require assistance for most vital activities, often leading to burnout and depression in caregivers. According to the World Alzheimer Report, Doğan noted that Turkey is expected to rank 4th among countries with the disease in 2050, and emphasized that supporting the caregiver in Alzheimer's means supporting the patient.
Lecturer İdil Arasan Doğan from Üsküdar University Institute of Social Sciences stated that Alzheimer's is described as a global public health problem by the World Health Organization (WHO). Doğan noted that the incidence of Alzheimer's disease, known to affect over 55 million people and defined as a neuropsychiatric illness, is increasing in the age group of 65 and above, and also stated that there is an increase in diagnoses at early ages today.
Turkey is expected to rank 4th in 2050
Doğan, who conducts studies and projects in the field of Alzheimer's, provided the following information regarding the future of Alzheimer's disease:
“Regarding Alzheimer's, where care problems are known to be severe, according to WHO data, only a quarter of countries worldwide have a national strategy to support the patient and their family. Furthermore, according to the World Alzheimer Report (2022), Turkey is expected to rank 4th among countries with the disease in 2050. Especially for our country, which has a rapidly increasing elderly population, it is important to urgently develop preventive and protective interventions, and to prioritize patients' relatives and caregivers.”
Alzheimer's disease is considered a family disease
İdil Arasan Doğan noted that Alzheimer's disease is considered a family disease, and continued as follows:
“As the disease progresses and the patient requires assistance for most vital activities, patients become completely dependent on the caregiver during the process. For this reason, in Alzheimer's disease, the caregiver signifies the 'real decision-maker'. In Alzheimer's disease, which involves a heavy caregiving process and burden, the inability to manage the process psychologically negatively impacts the patient-caregiver relationship, leading to conflicts due to changing roles. And this situation often results in burnout and depression for the caregiver.”
Patients can be asked to help with household chores
Doğan, explaining that Alzheimer's disease manifests with cognitive decline, reduced daily living activities, and behavioral changes, also provided the following information:
“From the early stages, quality of life and adaptation to daily living activities are considered highly crucial. In this context, supporting patients with mental, psychomotor, physical, and art/music activities is highly valuable. Specifically, involving them by asking for help with household chores, preparing a daily needs list, going for walks, listening to their favorite music, and plant care can be applied.”
It is important to use smartwatches for Alzheimer's patients prone to getting lost
Lecturer İdil Arasan Doğan also explained that in Alzheimer's disease, it is highly probable to observe alienation to the environment and situations over time, and the development of balance problems during walking, noting the following:
“Naturally, ensuring home safety by acting in accordance with the patient's rhythms comes first. Recommendations include balance exercises to prevent falls, securing slippery surfaces like bathrooms, and ensuring window and door safety. For those prone to getting lost, using smartwatches and setting up camera tracking systems at home facilitate the process.”
Day care centers can provide social and emotional support
Doğan stated that the most challenging process in Alzheimer's disease is managing behavioral symptoms, adding, “These symptoms can manifest as physical/verbal violence, agitation (any audible, verbal, and/or motor behaviors that endanger the safety of a person or their immediate surroundings), disinhibition (loss or reduction of control), constant wandering, or inappropriate behaviors. These experiences can be described as the most challenging processes for caregivers.”
Referring to the day care centers of the Turkish Alzheimer's Association, Doğan said that these centers carry out supportive activities for patients and their relatives from social and emotional perspectives, and that this also serves as a comforting mechanism for caregivers.
Daily life adaptation studies are being carried out
Doğan also stated that cognitive, psychomotor, physical, and artistic activities serve as rehabilitation in the processes at such centers, explaining the following:
“Along with these, information and rehabilitation programs for caregivers are also implemented. In daily life adaptation studies, activities aimed at maintaining object recognition, color discrimination, fine and gross motor skills are important. Furthermore, breathing exercises with patients; activities such as blowing out candles, blowing cotton balls, singing, and blowing up balloons can also be exemplified.”
Caregivers should be supported
Lecturer İdil Arasan Doğan stated that Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative disease that makes a person dependent on another over time and involves a heavy care burden, adding, “Supporting the caregiver means supporting the patient. In line with the World Health Organization's goals, which include preserving the dignity of both the patient and the caregiver, enabling them to live autonomously, and creating a dementia-friendly environment, short and long-term plans need to be developed for both the world and our country,” she expressed.