China News Service, August 27. According to a report by the American Overseas Chinese News Network, the number of people with dementia has been rising in recent years, but some people still have very limited understanding of the disease. On August 25, local time, the Alzheimer’s Disease Care Service organized an online seminar in collaboration with the Chinatown and Lin Shiguo Library in New York to popularize common sense and available resources about dementia to the public, calling for attention to the abnormal behavior of the elderly at home, as early as possible Prevent and treat dementia.
Shi Weijing, Chinese outreach manager and senior social worker of Alzheimer's Care Service, said that dementia is a group of symptoms caused by underlying brain diseases that can affect memory, cognitive ability, behavior, and physical functions. Among them, Alzheimer's disease is the most common disease of dementia. The disease cannot be cured at present, but early detection and standardized treatment can alleviate the condition and delay the development. Statistics of Alzheimer's disease in 2020 show that about 5.8 million Americans suffer from Alzheimer's disease, and one third of the elderly die of Alzheimer's disease. By 2050, the number of Alzheimer's patients in the United States will increase to 14 million, and one out of every five New Yorkers will be Alzheimer's patients or their caregivers.
Shi Weijing pointed out that the early symptoms of dementia are memory decline, which can easily be mistaken for natural aging, but dementia is not normal aging, and the patient’s brain degrades faster. In the early stages of the disease, it may manifest as a gradual loss of memory, confusion about place and time, beginning to be unable to follow complex instructions, problems in managing money, and poor judgment. In the middle and later stages, it will develop into inability to communicate with others, large mood swings, hallucinations and delusions, bedridden, difficulty swallowing, incontinence and incontinence.
Shi Weijing said that the disease cycle of dementia is eight to ten years, and caregivers of patients with dementia are also facing great challenges in this long process. Especially in the late stage, the patient's long-term bed rest makes the body condition worse, the skin appears wrinkled, and medical care becomes a problem. During this period, patients should be provided with a sufficiently comfortable environment while maintaining their dignity.
Shi Weijing said that the risk factors for Alzheimer's disease are mainly age-related, and the age of onset is mostly elderly people over 65. At the same time, race, gender, genetics, family history, brain damage, drug abuse, etc. can also lead to a high risk of disease. She suggested that family members should pay attention to the abnormal behavior of the elders, make an early diagnosis, check whether the patient is suitable for use of drugs that may relieve symptoms, and prepare as soon as possible to prevent the deterioration of the condition.
Shi Weijing said that the Alzheimer's disease care service can provide individuals and families affected by dementia with relevant information, educational projects and required services for free. People can call the toll-free hotline or visit the website for more information. (Yang Chengyu)