Um Outro Olhar #2 | Alzheimer

Summary

The transcript portrays the journey of Sandra, who lovingly cares for her mother, Marisa, diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. The story highlights the challenges of adapting to the disease's progressive nature, from the early signs to the difficult diagnosis. Sandra shares her experience of transforming their home for comfort and safety, and seeking professional care when needed. Emphasizing the importance of dignity and respect for Alzheimer's patients, the video also touches on the family's unwavering support and the stigma surrounding placing loved ones in specialized care. The narrative serves as both an emotional journey and a reflection on the value of empathy and understanding in caregiving.

Takeaways

• 😀 Alzheimer’s disease primarily affects older individuals and leads to progressive loss of memory, attention, language, and other cognitive functions.
• 😀 Despite being incurable, Alzheimer’s can be treated to manage symptoms and slow its progression.
• 😀 The disease often goes undiagnosed for a long time, as early symptoms are commonly mistaken for natural aging.
• 😀 Sandra’s mother, Dona Marisa, was very independent and active before being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, often hosting family gatherings and taking care of her grandchildren.
• 😀 Sandra noticed behavioral changes in her mother after she retired, which eventually led to the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s in late 2009.
• 😀 Sandra adjusted her home to ensure her mother's safety and comfort, even incorporating professional support for her care.
• 😀 Professional care facilities can provide valuable support for Alzheimer’s patients, ensuring their dignity, comfort, and well-being.
• 😀 Despite some societal prejudice against placing family members in care facilities, Sandra highlights the importance of choosing the right care environment for those with Alzheimer’s.
• 😀 Alzheimer’s patients still require emotional support from family, including maintaining relationships and respecting their dignity, as evidenced by Dona Marisa’s relationship with her grandchildren.
• 😀 Sandra’s journey with her mother’s Alzheimer’s has been a personal learning experience, teaching her about providing the best care and managing the progression of the disease.
• 😀 Maintaining a person’s dignity and treating them with love, care, and respect is critical in Alzheimer’s care, as demonstrated through Sandra’s interactions with her mother and the support provided by the care facility.

Q & A

What is Alzheimer's disease, and how does it affect individuals?

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurological condition that primarily affects older adults. It causes the gradual loss of cognitive functions like memory, attention, and language, due to the death of brain cells. While it is incurable and worsens over time, it can be managed with proper care and treatment.

How did Sandra first notice changes in her mother's behavior?

Sandra noticed changes in her mother's behavior after she retired. Her mother began to show signs of health problems, which eventually led to the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease in late 2009.

What was Sandra's approach to adapting her home for her mother's needs?

Sandra adapted her home in various ways to ensure her mother's safety and comfort. This included organizing the space to prevent confusion and encouraging her mother's sense of dignity, such as keeping her room tidy and involving her in daily activities.

Why is it challenging to diagnose Alzheimer's disease early?

Early signs of Alzheimer's are often mistaken for normal aging, which is referred to as 'caduquice.' This misunderstanding makes it difficult to diagnose the disease in its early stages, delaying proper intervention.

How did Sandra's family react to the Alzheimer's diagnosis?

Sandra and her family were initially shocked, but they quickly adjusted to the situation. Sandra emphasized the importance of managing the disease in a way that would minimize trauma for her mother, aiming to make her feel as comfortable as possible.

How many people in Brazil are affected by Alzheimer's, and how many are undiagnosed?

In Brazil, approximately 1.2 million people are affected by Alzheimer's disease, with the majority of cases remaining undiagnosed. Worldwide, there are an estimated 35 million people living with the disease.

What role did professional help play in Sandra's mother's care?

Sandra recognized the importance of professional assistance and sought help for her mother by researching options online. She arranged for her mother to stay in a care facility, ensuring that the environment would meet her mother's needs and maintain her dignity.

What is Sandra's view on placing a loved one in a care facility?

Sandra believes that choosing the right care facility is not about abandoning a loved one, but about ensuring they are well taken care of. She stresses that the right facility provides respect, care, and love for the individual.

How did Sandra prepare her mother for the transition to a care facility?

Sandra prepared her mother by gradually introducing her to the care facility. She made the transition easier by showing her the new environment in a positive light, such as highlighting her mother's room and belongings, which helped reduce any anxiety.

How did Sandra's mother's grandchildren react to her condition?

Sandra's mother's grandchildren, who called her 'fofa' (cute), showed great affection and respect for her. They supported her with love and care, which reflected the strong family bond and respect for their grandmother, despite her illness.