To commemorate World Alzheimer’s Day which is observed every year on 21st September, Tetso College led by its Department of Psychology joined the rest of the world in its observance by conducting a webinar on the theme ‘Let’s Talk About Dementia’ with Dr. Viketoulie Pienyu, Senior Medical Officer, State Mental Health Institute, Nagaland as the resource speaker.
In his address, Dr. Pienyu enlightened the participants on the signs, symptoms and characteristics of Alzheimer’s disease. He defined the disease as a progressive neurodegenerative and psychiatric condition which gradually leads to a decline in cognitive functions such as forgetfulness, memory impairment, difficulty in performing daily tasks or concentrating on simple tasks, and loss of inhibition.
Some of its symptoms that can be indicative of onset of Alzheimer’s are difficulty in performing daily tasks, change of mood and depression, difficulty in concentration, difficulty in keeping track of time , difficulty in solving problems, he stated.
Dr. Pienyu also gave insights on the onset and causes of Alzheimer’s, psychosocial care, treatment and medication and added that having good sleep, work-life balance, good physical and mental health, healthy social life, avoiding alcohol and drugs, and proper management of stress can prevent Alzheimer’s disease in a person.
Further, he emphasized on the need to spread awareness, provide care and enhance the quality of the life of people suffering from Alzheimer’s. The resource speaker also called to attention the importance of psycho social care, educating the family about the disease, getting medication prescribed by the doctors on time and regularly, providing a conducive positive environment for patients, and making them feel useful and socially connected.
Meanwhile, the session was chaired by Nouzhienino Peseyie, Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology while the opening remarks were given by Wondanglo Lotha, Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology.