Lanka’s National Institute of Mental Health’s (NIMH) help line service that
gives information and support for people with dementia and their carers has
assisted hundreds of people over the past year. However, more awareness needs
to be raised about the line, so people know that the service is available.
The
Dementia Help Line – 0113140844 - is available 24 hours a day. Calls between the hours of 8 a.m. to 7
p.m. are taken by qualified staff that:
·
Provide clinical
expertise
·
Discuss any concerns
·
Sign post to relevant
services
·
Offer emotional support
Outside
of these hours callers will be offered emotional support and information only.
Research has shown that support can make a positive difference in managing
dementia. The Dementia Help Line is here to provide the help Sri Lankans need.
In
addition to the help line, during the Open Days at NIMH as part of World Mental
Health Day activities on the 12th, 13th and 14th October, the NIMH
psycho-geriatric unit will provide a free memory skill assessment and trained
staff member will be available to conduct cognitive assessments.
As
well, a dementia clinic is offered at the National Hospital of Sri Lanka every
Monday in Room 43, O.P.D, at 2 p.m. It is a walk-in clinic and no prior
appointment is needed.
Dementia
affects thousands of Sri Lankans every year. The percentage of the population
over 60 years of age in Sri Lanka is expected to increase from 8% in 2003 to
13% in 2010 to 21% in 2025. Accordingly, the number of dementia sufferers in
the country will increase. Thus, we are going to see an increasingly
physically-able, but a cognitively-disabled population.
“The
numbers show we have to get it right and figure out how to support our aging
population, said Dr. Jayan Mendis, Director, NIMH. “If we can keep our elderly
population healthy and keep them productive, we are going to be winners in the
21st century.”
The
evolution of the Help Line began in 1999 when a special unit was started for
residential care for people with dementia. Since 2009, a clinic has been held
for people with dementia in the out patient department of the National Hospital
of Sri Lanka under supervision of the NIMH. In the process of delivering the
above services, it was revealed that people were brought for treatment only at
the late stages of dementia due to the lack of knowledge about this condition
in the community.
“It
can be difficult to raise the issue of dementia with a loved one,” said Dr.
Mendis. “However, early diagnosis means patients can receive appropriate
treatment earlier and can get the care and support to ensure they are able to
live well. Typically, people living with dementia feel relieved when they are
diagnosed with the condition. They are reassured to know what the problem is
and that there are strategies they can develop to deal with the condition. It’s
our hope that the Dementia Help Line helps with this process and lead to more
care being delivered in the community and in people’s homes, rather than inside
hospitals.”
Medical
professionals agree that during our busy lives and as we get older, everyone
has trouble remembering things from time to time. In fact, for many people some
forgetfulness is a completely normal part of the aging process.
“It
is important to know that memory loss can also be a symptom of something more
serious,” says Dr. Kapila Ranasinghe, Consultant Psychiatrist in charge of the
male Geriatric Unit at NIMH. “Memory loss that gets progressively worse and
ultimately interferes with daily life is often the first symptom of Alzheimer’s
disease. Certain illnesses that affect the brain such as Parkinson’s disease,
Huntington’s disease and conditions of the brain that are caused by strokes can
lead to memory loss. Forgetfulness can also occur in people who are suffering
from depression.”
If
you or a family member is having trouble remembering things, it may not be
cause for concern. However, doctors recommend seeking medical advice to be on
the safe side - particularly if the memory loss is interfering with daily life.
Only your doctor, with the help of other health care professionals can
determine whether the loss of memory is an indicator of dementia.
“Dementia
is a term used to refer to a group of symptoms that are the result of the
deterioration of intellectual functions, such as thinking, remembering and
judgment that is severe enough to hinder everyday activities and social
relationships,” said Dr. Pushpa Ranasinghe, Consultant Psychiatrist in charge
of the female Geriatric Unit at NIMH.
Research
shows that there are important interventions, including medical treatments that
can treat some of its symptoms. So it is a good idea to know the symptoms of
the disease. In general, the signs and symptoms of dementia include the
following:
·
Memory loss that
affects everyday life
·
Difficulty performing
familiar tasks such as using an appliance and problem naming common objects
·
Getting lost easily,
even in familiar places
·
Poor and decreasing
judgment
·
Problems with abstract
thinking
·
Frequently losing or
misplacing items
·
Changes in mood,
behaviour and personality
·
Loss of interest or
lack of initiative in usual activities
It’s
important to note that not everyone with dementia has all of these signs and
not all these signs indicate dementia is present. If you or someone you know
has these symptoms, you should contact a health care professional for an
evaluation. T
The
good news is that strategies and therapies are available that can help treat
the symptoms of mild to moderate dementia. In addition, prescription
medications may help those in early and moderate stages of dementia to retain
cognitive functions for a longer period of time. There are also some places and
organizations that offer non-medical support for dementing patients and their
families. These resources include support groups, adult day services and local
organizations.
Call
new Dementia Help Line to find out what other resources are available in your
area.
The National Institute of Mental Health
plays an integral role in Sri Lanka by providing specialized psychiatric
services to individuals and the community with professionalism and care, and is
the centre for mental health training and research in the country.
“WE VALUE THE QUALITY OF
LIFE OF THE NATION.”
For more information about the Dementia
Help Line or to arrange an interview, please contact:
Shaun
Humphries (English)
VSO
volunteer, NIMH media unit
