Support for expats with Alzheimer’s
Practical assistance and advice given at cafe meetings
DUBAI // Arts and crafts, quilling and community talks are being used to help stem the onset of Alzheimer’s in elderly expats. Community organisation 4get-me-not held a session for more than 50 Dubai residents in Jumeirah in the first in a series of events to support patients.
Alzheimer’s is irreversible, but studies have shown that communication, memory exercises and social gatherings can help slow the process down. “The purpose is to create awareness about Alzheimer’s and encourage elderly people to engage in thinking activities as much as possible,” said Desiree Vlekken, 4get-me-not founder.
“While there is no successful cure for this debilitating disease, the 4get-me-not Alzheimer’s Cafe can help engage brain and memory activities to delay its progress.”
Alzheimer’s is a brain disorder that slowly destroys memory and cognitive skills and eventually the ability to carry out simple tasks. In a majority of cases, symptoms in those affected begin to appear when they reach their mid-60s.
“According to Alzheimer’s Disease International, there was an estimated 3,000 diagnosed cases of Alzheimer’s in the UAE as of 2016,” said Ms Vlekken.
“This may be a very small number but it becomes alarming if we contemplate the undiagnosed cases.
“The best way to quantify this effectively is to first de-stigmatise Alzheimer’s, which we have been doing.
“Eventually, we hope to propose an Alzheimer’s policy on a national level with support from our parent organisation, UAE Genetic Disease Association.”
As part of the event in Jumeirah on Tuesday, Virajkumari Jadeja, a quilling expert, taught the paper-shaping craft to the group, most of whom were in their 60s.
“Quilling helps improve the eye-hand-mind coordination,” she said.
“It improves one’s memory by stimulating and keeping sharp one’s mind through this artistic nutrition, which does not just help Alzheimer’s patients but all elderly people who are not using their brain as they used to.
“I felt elevated by the smiles and happiness all of the elderly people taking part. They were open to new ideas and wanted to learn more about quilling.” Naseem Durrani, chairman of Gold Age Group, a senior citizen community group in Dubai, said social interaction was crucial for those getting older.
“Most elderly people and their families, don’t realise how cru- cial is to keep the brain active and healthy along with other parts of the body,” he said.
“Most of senior citizens when retired keep their brain in idle condition, which is like inviting Alzheimer’s disease to a healthy brain.
“Learning activities and sharing knowledge will help elders fight against the disease.” Dr Maryam Matar, chairwomman and founder of 4get-menot’s parent organisation, the UAE Genetic Diseases Association, said raising awareness was the key to empowerment.
“Knowledge is power for the community when it comes to well- being and health awareness,” she said. “We will continue to reach out to high-risk groups and engage in regular conversation and events.”
Workshops and talks will be held every month.
More information is available at 4get-me-not.org.