“The diagnosis of dementia is unfortunately a bad news conversation,” says GP, geriatrician and volunteer for the Alzheimer’s collection Irene van de Vorst. “People then ask: what can I expect, how long do I have left? As a doctor you would like to answer that. Alzheimer Nederland helped me to do that research. That is why and because it is important and fun, I am happy to contribute to the Alzheimer’s collection.”
“With all kinds of diseases, such as cancer, you can often say something about the associated life expectancy. That provides stability in all the uncertainty. Much less is known about expectations in dementia. You know you won’t get better anymore, but how fast will the process go?” Irene put together all available data to answer that question. “Other researchers are now building on what I started, it is not yet finished. I think the good thing about Alzheimer Nederland is that they finance a lot of research that is requested by informal caregivers and patients; what is important, what do they want to know. That makes research into dementia very valuable.”
How do you actually recognize early dementia?
“That’s very subtle. For example, someone becomes increasingly gloomy, while they never were before. As a general practitioner, I sometimes notice that someone often comes at the wrong time. Or when I come on a home visit, there are notes everywhere. I once had someone with food poisoning and a lot of food in the refrigerator turned out to be expired. Then you know there is more going on. It is important to detect dementia as early as possible. Because then you can still have a conversation with your family and friends. Think about what quality of life is for you. And what you would and would not want in the final phase of your life. Not fun to talk about, of course. But you do have the time to arrange things properly.”
And now you are not only a doctor, but also a collector?
“Yes, with pleasure. Alzheimer’s helps with research, so as a doctor I would like to give something back. Helping with the collection is very accessible. It not only generates money, but also contributes to awareness about dementia. And collecting is actually quite fun, you get to have a chat in your own neighborhood!”
The collection week for Alzheimer Netherlands is from 5 to 11 November. Do you also want to help, just like Jan, Irene and Vera? Even if you walk a few streets, all help is welcome! In Mijdrecht, Wilnis and Abcoude. Email [email protected], or call Vera on 06 311 44 311
2023-09-29 03:00:44
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