Although dementia affects many people, it is probably one of the most misdiagnosed diseases in the country, according to the RCPN. The reality is that many more people suffer from dementia, and a lack of information and support leads to social isolation, making life miserable not only for those living with dementia, but also for their loved ones.
The purpose of the information and educational seminar is to increase public awareness of the diagnosis of dementia, provide support to relatives of patients with dementia, promote the integration of patients with dementia into society and reduce the risks of isolation.
The first seminar – “Be brave about dementia – what it is and what to do next: life with a diagnosis” – will be held on April 30 from 15 to 17 at Tvaika Street 2. It will be conducted by psychiatrist Māris Taube, head of the outpatient center of the RPNC “Veldre”, president of the Latvian association of psychiatrists.
He explains that dementia is not just a process of aging. This is a disease that often cannot be cured, but you can learn to live with it, slow its progression and help patients and their families cope with this life challenge.
“A loved one with dementia did not become bad, the disease just changed his life. Neither the patient nor his relatives are to blame for the current situation, but we will learn to cope with it together,” says Taube.
Psychiatrist and head of education and research at the RPNK, Liene Sile, notes that dementia was the most popular topic at mental health seminars last year. She recommends the workshop as a great opportunity for everyone, especially those who have family members with dementia, to gain insight into the disease and understand how to plan for the future.
A total of three workshops will be held in April and May. They will be held in person, in the conference room of the new outpatient center of the Republican Scientific and Practical Center at the address: st. Tvayka, 2. The seminars will be filmed, the recordings will be published on the Republican Scientific and Practical Center website and on Youtube, where everyone can watch them at a convenient time.
In addition to the opportunity to ask questions, attendees of each workshop will be able to receive a copy of the book What You Should Know About Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Forms of Dementia.
Dementia is a brain disease that causes irreversible, progressive and multifaceted impairment of cognitive or mental function, leading to changes in memory, language, visuospatial perception, skills and reasoning. Cognitive impairment is mild at first and may be mistaken for normal aging, but over time it can become more severe and be accompanied by varying degrees of personality and behavioral changes, making everyday life more difficult.
The most common types of dementia are Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia
According to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), approximately 44 million people worldwide are living with a diagnosis of dementia. Often health and social services do not provide them with the support they need. Dementia is often not diagnosed on time, and people with dementia experience poor quality of life and loss of independence.
The OECD believes that urgent action is needed to develop and implement more effective policies to improve the lives of people with dementia.
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2024-04-13 17:14:36