Jakarta, CNN Indonesia –
Caring for people with dementia or alzheimer (ODD) is not an easy matter. Not infrequently Yuda Turana, a neurologist at the FKIK Atma Jaya University Jakarta, listened to various confidences from the public caregiver or people who accompany ODD, especially Alzheimer’s.
Generally, Alzheimer’s patients experience ‘wandering’ or memory loss of things that are close or familiar to them.
“Complaints came, ‘Dok mama looks like it’s not my mother, she’s changed’,” said Yuda, imitating the patient’s family during a webinar some time ago.
“We have to realize, it’s not his mother who changed but Alzheimer’s who changed.”
Caregivers tend to see ODD turning negative. It’s just that they are aware that Alzheimer’s also brings about functional changes in the hippocampus, the memory center in the brain. Gradually, ODD will find it difficult to remember important things and then gradually experience a setback in their ability to forget negative things. Not surprisingly, ODD over time became irritable and easily suspicious of even partners and families.
Yuda said that not only ODD, healthy people also remember negative things more easily than positive ones. Then is there any change in ODD behavior from negative to positive memories?
“It’s very difficult to change. He (ODD) is like that, not he should be. It’s because of Alzheimer’s. What is changed is not his behavior but his approach, a positive approach,” explained Yuda.
For caregiver, Yuda suggested not to argue when dealing with ODD. He realized that this was difficult but he had to get used to it. At some point in time, for example, ODD will be suspicious. Basically, the caregiver does not need to get into arguments and take into account what ODD is saying. Caregivers must be aware that arguments will not bring benefits and instead drain psychologically plus energy.
It is important to establish communication with the caregiver community or the Alzheimer’s community to be able to share stories, confide in, complain. This is also to control stress, especially in a pandemic situation that is completely uncertain. In addition, it is also necessary to control the consumption of news related to Covid-19.
“While listening to the news, stressors can increase. Don’t forget to take care of physical and social interactions,” he added.
(the / chs)
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