September is World Alzheimer’s Month
August 31, 2021
NEWTON, Kan. (September 1, 2021) – September is World Alzheimer’s Month, an international campaign to raise dementia awareness and challenge stigma.
“Dementia is a decline or loss in one’s memory, attention, language and organizational skills,” says Satinder Mahal, DO, director of Prairie View’s Older Adult Services program. “These deficits can make it difficult to complete activities of daily living.”
Alzheimer’s disease, Lewy Body Disease and Vascular dementia are the most common types of dementia, comprising up to 90 percent of all dementia cases. Symptoms may include loss of memory, difficulty finding the right words or understanding others, difficulty performing previously routine tasks, and changes in mood and personality.
“Dementia is not a normal part of aging,” says Dr. Mahal. “In fact, any decline in one’s ability to do things for themselves, or a change in behavior needs evaluation. Sometimes there can be a medical illness or vitamin deficiency that is contributing to some behavioral or memory changes. There are some medications available to treat Alzheimer’s dementia and any behavioral changes that come along with it. Either way, it is better to get answers and learn how to keep yourself or your family member healthy.”
Every three seconds, someone in the world develops dementia. The current total stands over 50 million people worldwide directly affected by dementia, and that number is expected to triple to 152 million people by 2050. The annual global cost of dementia is over $1 trillion annually, and it is expected to double by 2030, making it one of the most significant health crises of the 21st century.
“To anyone that is concerned about the onset of dementia, I would encourage you to not wait until COVID-19 is over and schedule an appointment,” says Dr. Mahal. “While the pandemic is still a huge concern, we are focused on finding ways to make sure that we are still able to care for and serve our patients.”
Prairie View offers many services specifically for older adults, including:
- Medication management
- Talk therapy
- Life Transitions Group for adults 55+
- Caregiver support groups and free caregiver resources
- Driving capacity evaluations
- Psychological testing
- Partial Day Hospital
- Addiction treatment services
Currently, Prairie View continues to provide services in-person using protocols including mask wearing and hand washing, as well as providing services using telehealth. Because of telehealth, providers have been able to see patients in their own homes as well as in area long-term care facilities. Medication management, talk therapy and group therapy can all be conducted via telehealth.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call Prairie View at 800-992-6292.
Download a special Facebook profile frame we've created to use throughout the month to help raise awareness of Alzheimer's, and join us as we spread awareness and take action:
drive.google.com/file/d/1bQdCOZ5MfCgA41gkpm1T-LUOGCBLLL7_/view?usp=sharing
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