St. Giles Hospital is witnessing a notable increase in elderly patients presenting with dementia, frequently accompanied by various non-communicable diseases. Acting Medical Superintendent Dr. Sheetal Singh emphasizes the pressing need for enhanced public awareness regarding the ageing process, particularly the cognitive changes that occur in the brain.
Dr. Singh explains that as individuals age, the brain undergoes natural changes, including a reduction in size, which can lead to noticeable alterations in behavior. She highlights the importance of understanding these changes, stating, “We really need to understand the ageing process, what actually happens to the brain when they’re ageing.”
While dementia is incurable, Dr. Singh calls for communities to comprehend its progression to manage expectations effectively. “There is no going back to the previous functioning,” she notes, emphasizing that for elderly individuals diagnosed with dementia, there is no possibility of reverting to the cognitive capabilities they had decades prior.
In light of these challenges, Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection, Sashi Kiran, reveals that discussions are in progress to bolster support for older individuals, especially in the realm of geriatric care. She stresses the necessity of investing in geriatric medicine, a topic that has been actively engaged with the health sector over the past year. “We need to encourage more research awareness and education so that families and communities can better understand what ageing means,” Kiran asserts.
Additionally, the Ministry for Women, Children and Social Protection is set to commence nationwide consultations on the National Ageing Policy this month, addressing mental health and related issues. This initiative hopes to foster improved support systems for the elderly population, underscoring the importance of community involvement and education in managing age-related health challenges.
Leave a comment