Kenyans have been urged to dispel myths and misconceptions surrounding Dementia but instead help create awareness on the condition that is associated with brain cell damage.
The condition that presents itself through loss of memory, language, problem solving skills and other thinking abilities, has been known to affect a victim’s daily life, relationships and activities.
Speaking during the launch of the campaign to create awareness on dementia by Mercy Hand Welfare Association in Muthithi ,Kigumo Constituency, Ahadi Kenya CEO, Dr Stanley Kamau, observed that the prevalence of the condition that is often misdiagnosed is soaring and it’s time to train caregivers on the best practices for dementia care.
“When a parent who was orderly starts forgetting to do their routine activities like preparing meals, eating, skips important appointments and keeping track of their personal documents it is bound to be confusing to those surrounding her and this causes a lot of strain on the family relationship,” he said.
“But with awareness. we will be able to recognise the signs and seek management options with love and care. so as to offer our individuals suffering from dementia. a long and happy life and assist them in their daily activities,” the CEO added
Dementia mainly affects older people common in those aged 65 years or older and some of its predisposing factors. include high blood pressure, high blood sugar, depression, past traumatic experiences, being socially isolated, smoking and drinking too much alcohol.
Dr Kamau also called on the National Government Administrative Officers. to be vigilant as some individuals suffering from dementia have been taken advantage of by some of their children leading to loss of their properties.
“Do not allow a parent with dementia to appear in the land control board because we have so many complains that land ownership was changed as someone took advantage of the parents memory loss and authorised the change of ownership
As the local Administrators do not allow another person to appear with the parent’s ID and say they are authorised to transact any business even receiving the Inua Jamii stipend on behalf of the parent, who is suffering from dementia,” he noted.
Dr Kamau notes that with care we can avoid incidents that endanger the lives of our parents living with dementia.
“We have heard incidents where a parent left Mathioya to visit his son in Nairobi, only to alight at Thika and get hit by car, unbeknown to anyone, they have been sick for a long time, yet we have labeled them as stubborn,” said Dr. Kamau
“Let us take care of parents to avoid disasters that are happening today like fires where a parent forgets to put off the fire and the house burns with the grandchildren inside,” he cautioned, adding that, If you are leaving your children with your elderly parents, kindly employ a helper to look after them for safety purposes,” Dr Kamau advised.
Mercy Hand Welfare Association Coordinator, Pastor Fraciah Kihumba, noted that individuals suffering from dementia desire to be loved and that as part of the management the caregivers must strive to offer a healthy balanced diet and be utmost caring and understanding.
“A patient may suddenly start grumbling or go mute or even start crying without provocation, they will even forget the name of their other kids only remembering the first kids and this is bound to get confusing,” she averred
We spoke to one of the caregivers whose 70 years old mother has lived with dementia for seven years and she notes that the condition is not easier to manage as the supplements are expensive, considering that she has to be a special healthy diet, so as not to trigger severity.
“One night Seven years ago, my mother fell-off her bed as she tried to put on the lights, after a series of hospital visits she was diagnosed with stroke and immediately after suffered dementia, shares Jane Kimani.
We have to closely monitor her so as not to wander-off from the compound, as she may not remember her way home, so as daughter I am the sole caregiver because we cannot afford to employ a full time caregiver for her,” she adds.
The event brought together over 200 individuals living with dementia and their caregivers, where they took home food essentials, blankets and other basic necessities.
By Florence Kinyua
