Vanishing Mind :Alzheimer's Disease, has become one of the Indian family's most frightening realities

Bangalore-based 26-year-old scribe Divya Jacob and her twin sister will never forget that moment. Their grandmother, Ammachi, had caked her face with powder and, when they asked her where she was going, she scolded the girls and said, "The boy's family is coming to see me for marriage prospects. " She was then 70. Ammachi died last week, at 84, after a gradual deterioration in her memory, orientation and behaviour. By the end of her life, she did not recognise the twins she had lovingly brought up. "She did not know who she was, where she was and what was happening around her, " recalls Divya. "The initial signs started setting in around 16 years ago when she sometimes served breakfast to my grandfather twice. When he questioned her, she would quietly take it back to the kitchen. "

Ammachi's condition, Alzheimer's Disease, has become one of the Indian family's most frightening realities. Numerous other grandchildren, children, siblings, and even parents sometimes, have had to confront - and patiently deal with - equally unnerving situations, sometimes for years on end. The examples abound. In one case, a retired engine driver refused to enter the bathroom or eat his food until his family cajoled him with "the train is waiting on the platform for you". An elderly woman, who had grown up in a village with two-storey houses, repeatedly wanted to go upstairs even though she had spent the last twenty years in a Mumbai flat.

"They forget to brush their teeth. They leave their keys in the refrigerator or sugar bowl. These are all the early signs. Over a period of time, hygiene becomes an issue, " says neuropathologist Dr Shirin Barodawala, who is associated with the Alzheimer's & Related Disorders Society of India (ARDSI). "Symptoms range from being extremely passive to extremely aggressive. It is important to understand that the patient is not doing anything deliberately;his disturbed behaviour is because of changes in his brain. "

The good news is that what ten years ago was viewed as inexplicably bizarre behaviour by family members is now being understood as an illness, albeit one for which there is no treatment other than love and care. As Dr Roop Gursahani, a neurologist with Hinduja Hospital in Mumbai says, "These days, people come in and say, 'I think my father has Alzheimer's'. Ten years ago, they may have come in and said, 'My father is behaving in a very odd way. '" Chairman and founder of the ARDSI, Dr Jacob Roy Kuriakose, explains that with life expectancy in India going up, age-related diseases like Alzheimer's and dementia are more likely to set in, but people today have managed to come to terms with such diseases and are actually taking their kin to doctors to be treated.

The Kolkata arm of the association points out that there are some 46, 000 Alzheimer's patients above 65 years in Kolkata alone. "The disease affects patients in varying degrees with many suffering just a partial memory loss but retaining their power of judgement, " says Nilanjana Maulik of the ARDSL. The association trains professional care-givers to assist patients. It also organises awareness camps for patients, counsels them and chalks out 'care plans' for their families. Interestingly, it has started addressing schools, because there is a sense that grandchildren are an important point of contact for Alzheimer's patients and can also go a long way in giving them sympathetic care.

But regardless of the increase in awareness, even today, most families still learn about the condition when the patient is quite far gone. In India, especially, where people are habitually in denial about intimate issues that are taking place in their home, diagnosis becomes difficult, say doctors. Moreover, the change in behaviour sets in gradually and there is also an overlap with normal aging and memory loss. Families tend to find out only when there is some major event - like if the patient has taken ill, has to be hospitalised, and suddenly seems very confused about where he is, say doctors.

Even after you find out, there is not much you can do. This absence of a cure is the greatest tragedy of the disease. Treatment essentially centres around creating a calm and nurturing environment for the patient. And the brunt of it falls on the care-givers, which in India is mostly family, sometimes domestic help. Dr Gursahani says that a number of his patients are the elderly parents of non-resident Indians. "I have three to four such cases. It's a terribly stressful period for the families. The patients are left in the hands of servants. You almost want their suffering to end. "

At such times, the absence of assisted living facilities or special nursing homes become especially glaring. Ironically, although there are no institutional support systems, in some ways India scores in the area of care-giving, because there is a strong family network and a high degree of compassion for the elderly. That has been the saving grace in low-income groups where care-giving for dementia-related illness is one of the greatest challenges.

"Coping with an Alzheimer's patient is particularly difficult for the poor because they are so busy running around making a living, " says Swati Ingole, medical and psychiatric social worker, who works in Mumbai's slums. But there is another factor which comes into play - which is community support. There is a lot of respect for elders in the lower economic strata, so they actually take it on as their collective responsibility to care for the patients. That is how they manage. "

She describes the example of a retired teacher in the Matunga Labour Camp, whom every one called 'guruji' long after he had turned into an almost child-like dependent. The whole community would be alert if he stepped out. Once he got lost, and the entire slum got together and searched for him and found him on a railway platform. "You will never find this in a middle or upper middle class nuclear family, " says Ingole.

By Namita Devidayal

Source: http://www.timescrest.com/life/vanishing-mind-3494

Register for UMANG, A Talent show for 50+ Senior Citizens

World Elder’s Day 2010: UMANG, A Talent show for Senior Citizens


"Ageing is not 'lost youth' but a new stage of opportunity and strength"



Silver Inning Foundation, an dedicated organisation for Elders, celebrates its 3rd World Elders Day ' 2010 by presenting UMANG, A Senior Citizens Stage Talent Show on 3rd Oct 2010 .

On the occasion of World Elders Day on 1st October 2010, Silver Inning Foundation once again organizes UMANG - A Stage Talent Show program for Senior Citizens. As there are not enough opportunity for elderly to show their talent ,the main purpose of this program is to provide a platform for Elderly to display their talents. This is not a competition between Elderly but a forum to encourage them to demonstrate their hidden talent. After success of UMANG in 2008 & 2009 we are happy to once again organise and promote stage talent of our Elderly.

Over the time our changing tradition has dampened the spirits of senior citizens by suggesting that they can no longer contribute to society and benefit from being active. But we don’t have to accept this reasoning for our elderly parents, friends, or neighbours. We can help them maximize their health and vitality by keeping them active and involved in the world around them.

So we request all those Talented Seniors who are above 50 yrs to enroll for the Talent Show. This is not an competition but a Show to reveal your talent. All the Participation will get Certificate of Appreciation. There are No Prizes.

All selected Artist/performer will be reimbursed with actual To and Fro Travel expense of city bus or train within city of Mumbai MMRDA region.

This programme is part of Joy of Giving Week 2010 event.


Programme:
Talent Show by Elderly


Age limit for participant: 50 yrs +

Types of Performance eligible for Entries:
One act Play
Singing
Music performance – Solo or in group of Maximum 4 people
Dance – Solo
Group Dance - in group of Maximum 4 people
Street Play – Maximum 4 people
Mimicry
Drama - maximum with 4 people
Street Play - maximum with 4 people
Original Poetry reciting
Any special talent


Max entry allowed:
A person or a group can have only one act.
Total 20 entries will be accepted. That means there will be total of 15 act only.

Duration for each act:
Maximum 8 Minutes


Last Date for Entries/Registration: 27th Sep 2010


Venue:
Auditorium, Bhaktivedanta Hospital, Mira Road East,Mumbai

Event Date:
Sun 3rd Oct 2010

Entry fees for Artist:
Rs.10/- for Artist only each act for solo or group

Entry for Public: Free

Time of Event:
3pm to 6 pm


Total Seating capacity:
Approx 125 First come first basis – Its Free


Contact here to Participate:
9987104233 – Monday to Friday 10am to 6pm
Email: silverinnings@gmail.com

Give your Full Name, Area where you reside, info about your Act and contact number.

So Hurry and enroll to show your talent.


Note:
Pls note in case of more then 20 entries, the selection committee of Silver Inning Foundation will have all the rights to select Best 20 for performance. The selection committee will have final say on selection.

World Alzheimer's Awareness Week 2010 - Mumbai

Invitation

World Alzheimer's Awareness Week 2010 - Mumbai :The theme for World Alzheimer's Day™ 2010: Dementia - It’s Time for Action!

On the occasion of World Alzheimer’s Day on 21st Sep 2010 ARDSI (Alzheimer's & Related Disorders Society of India) Greater Mumbai and Mumbai Chapter in association with ‘Silver Inning Foundation’ is proud to Announce One Week Programme to create awareness about Dementia and Alzheimer’s in city of Mumbai. All over India ARDSI and its networking organisation will hold awareness campaign.

Tentative Programme detail:

1) Fri 17th Sep 2010: 'Brain Game and Keeping Alzheimer's Away' at Cosmopolitan School , Mira Road. 5.45PM To 6.45PM

2) Tue 21st Sep 2010: Memory Camp at Kisangopal Rajpuria Vanprashtashram (old age home) , Uttan, Bhayandar west . 10am to 1pm

3) Tue 21st Sep 2010: Release of info booklet “10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer's" in Mumbai

4) Sat 25th Sep 2010 : Talk on - "Know more about Alzheimer's" at Vanita Samaj ,near Mayor Bungalow, Shivaji Park, Dadar 5.30pm to 6.30pm

5) Sun 26th Sep: Awareness Camp at Holy Family Hospital, Bandra

6) Tue 28th Sep : Talk on "Help for Alzheimer's Family Members" at ( HELP) Health Education Library for People, National Insurance Building, Gr Floor,206, Dr.D.N.Road, Mumbai - 400 001. 4.30pm to 6pm


Contact: Sailesh Mishra , Founder President, Silver Inning Foundation
Founder ARDSI Greater Mumbai Chapter , Mobile:9987104233/ 09819819145 Email: silverinnings@gmail.com

UMANG, A Talent show for Senior Citizens 2nd Oct 2010 : World Elder’s Day 2010

Rotary Club of Mumbai Nariman Point & Rotaract Club of Rizvi law College Presents "UMANG"

A Talent show of Senior Citizens by Silver Inning Foundation : World Elder’s Day 2010


"Ageing is not 'lost youth' but a new stage of opportunity and strength"


Silver Inning Foundation, an dedicated organisation for Elders, celebrates its 3rd World Elders Day ' 2010 by presenting UMANG, A Senior Citizens Stage Talent Show on 2nd Oct 2010.

On the occasion of World Elders Day on 1st October 2010, Silver Inning Foundation once again organizes UMANG - A Stage Talent Show program for Senior Citizens. As there are not enough opportunity for elderly to show their talent, the main purpose of this program is to provide a platform for Elderly to display their talents. This is not a competition between Elderly but a forum to encourage them to demonstrate their hidden talent. After success of UMANG in 2008 & 2009 we are happy to once again organise and promote stage talent of our Elderly. Over the time our changing tradition has dampened the spirits of senior citizens by suggesting that they can no longer contribute to society and benefit from being active. But we don’t have to accept this reasoning for our elderly parents, friends, or neighbours. We can help them maximize their health and vitality by keeping them active and involved in the world around them.

So we request all those Talented Seniors who are above 50 yrs to enroll for the Talent Show. This is not an competition but a Show to reveal your talent. All the Participation will get Certificate of Appreciation. There are No Prizes.

This programme is part of Joy of Giving Week 2010 event & Walden University Global Day of Service 2010 and sponsored & supported by Rotary Club of Mumbai Nariman Point & Rotaract Club of Rizvi law College.


Programme:
Talent Show by Elderly

Age limit for participant: 50 yrs +

Types of Performance eligible for Entries:
• One act Play
• Singing
• Music performance – Solo or in group of Maximum 4 people
• Dance – Solo
• Group Dance - in group of Maximum 4 people
• Street Play – Maximum 4 people
• Mimicry
• Drama - maximum with 4 people
• Street Play - maximum with 4 people
• Original Poetry reciting
• Any special talent

Max entry allowed: A person or a group can have only one act.
Total 20 entries will be accepted. That means there will be total of 20 acts only.

Duration for each act: Maximum 8 Minutes

Last Date for Entries/Registration on First come first basis: 27th Sep 2010

Venue: Shivaji Natya Mandir , N.S.Kelkar Rd, opp. Plaza Cinema ,Dadar west ,Mumbai -28

Event Date: Sat 2nd Oct 2010

Entry: Free

Time of Event: 2pm to 5.30 pm

Total Seating capacity:
Approx 300 First come first basis

Contact here to Participate: 9987104233 – 10am to 6pm
Email: silverinnings@gmail.com

Give your Full Name, Area where you reside, info about your Act and contact number.
So Hurry and enroll to show your talent.

Note:Pls note in case of more then 20 entries, the selection committee of Silver Inning Foundation will have all the rights to select Best 20 for performance. The selection committee will have final say on selection.

SILVER TARANG: Evening Programme for Senior Citizens 50 +

Silver Innings Active Ageing Center Presents 'SILVER TARANG' Evening Programme for Senior Citizens 50 + .

The programme promotes concept of Successful ageing and provides Elderly to come together for activity that reflects their experience and skills, respond to their diverse needs and interests, enhance their dignity, support their independence, and encourage involvement with the community.

Day: Every Friday

Time: 5.45 pm to 6.45 pm

Venue:
Cosmopolitan School, Ground Floor, Near Ganesh Mandir, Sheetal Nagar, Mira Road, Mumbai, India. Pin 401107


Contact:
Tel: 9987104233; Email: silverinnings@gmail.com

This programme is organized by Silver Inning Foundation with support from Cosmopolitan School

We need Speakers , Alternative Therapist , Health Camps, Activities, Recreation and Entertainment for our Elderly,pls let us know if you could help.

IBM to Develop Mobile Apps for Rural, Aging Population

IBM is joining hands with eminent academic institutes in India and Japan to find out solutions which would help make mobile phone usage more convenient for people who are illiterate or aged.

In India IBM has partnered with institutes of repute like IIT, NID and Indian School of Business.

IBM has recently partnered with the Industrial Design Centre (IDC) at the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay (IIT Bombay) to find out new designs for mobile device interfaces. The collaboration would develop applications for mobile platforms which are simple and easy to use.

“IBM believes that close collaborative innovation with world-class academic institutions such as IIT Bombay, is the key to finally bridging the digital divide and putting the power of information sources and services in everyone’s hands,” said Dr. Manish Gupta, Director, IBM Research – India and Chief Technologist, IBM India/South Asia.

The IT giant already has a partnership with National Institute of Design (NID). Under this partnership, NID research team is visiting various states and conducting surveys to understand the accessibility challenges in those states.

"The NID students by talking to people of various states try to find out what stops the rural populace from using the mobile phone beyond just making phone calls," an IBM India spokesperson said.

The NID team takes feedback from the villagers irrespective of geography or education level which helps them understand the need of the population who are not comfortable in the traditional method of using a mobile phone.

"We want to develop applications which they want and in a way they want to use it," said the spokesperson.

The applications coming out from the collaboration with the academic institutions would be multimodal which can be used by any one irrespective of education level, socio-economic barriers and linguistic challenges, he added.

He also said that the applications would be available to the public through open source.

“The collaboration between IIT Bombay and IBM is not only mutually beneficial but also intends to address larger socio-economic challenges.” said Prof. Anirudha Joshi, Associate Professor, IIT Bombay.

Similarly, IBM has joined hands with University of Tokyo, Japan to develop applications that can be easily used by the aging population.

"Japan is a country with a huge number of aging population and for whom using various features of a mobile phone has become a real problem," said the spokesperson.

To make the usage of mobile phones and its features comfortable, IBM and the Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology (RCAST) at the University of Tokyo are jointly developing various applications.

"The findings can be extrapolated to other countries having similar situations including India," the spokesperson said.

Source: IBM to Develop Mobile Apps for Rural, Aging Population


Forget yourself for others, and others will never forget you.

63 years of Independence , But Senior Citizens deprived of Freedom