JAIPUR: Sawai Man Singh Medical College to have a separate dementia clinic for treatment of Alzheimer's disease at its psychiatric centre in Adarsh Nagar which will be operational from Monday.Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia. “Since we see at least 20 dementia patients each day, we felt the need for setting up a separate clinic for its treatment for better care of such patients,” said Dr RK Solanki, superintendent, government-run psychiatric centre, Jaipur.Dr Solanki said, “We have seen patients who are wealthy and belongs to well off families having cars begging at neighbour’s door. It is because of Alzheimer’s disease. It happens because of decline in memory especially because of ageing.”Dr Solanki said that the disease reduces person's ability to perform everyday activities which is not problematic for patient but it also disturbs life of other family members. “There was a family who wanted to commit suicide as they were so upset and disturbed with the disease that gripped head of the family,” said Dr Solanki.Alzheimer’s disease is characterised by progressive impairment of cognitive abilities accompanied by behavioural changes that affects the person’s autonomy and ability to face everyday life activities.“Patients with Alzheimer’s disease usually reports to doctor for the complain of forgetfulness or behaviour and psychological symptoms. Early identification of Alzheimer’s disease is crucial for better management,” said Dr Sunil Suthar, geriatric psychiatrist, department of psychiatry, SMS medical college However, doctors claimed that the risk of Alzheimer’s’ disease can be reduced. “The risk of developing dementia can be reduced by the control of diabetes, hypertension and obesity in the middle age,” said Dr Suthar.Psychiatry department of ESIC Model hospital organised an awareness programme on Thursday for educating caregivers about Alzheimer's.“The symptoms of the illness mostly acquired in later stage of life which involves gradual deterioration of memory, language, learning capacity, comprehension and judgement along with emotional and behavioural changes in later stage,” said Dr Akhilesh Jain, head of the department, psychiatry, ESIC Model Hospital.He said, “Such patients need proper communication and also there should be engagement of such patients in suitable routine activities, motivating them to maintain hobbies and social interaction and to have proper nutritious diet.”“Diffuse atrophy due to nuclear family, less social interaction, selfishness, lack of exercise and modern life style all are enhancing factors,” said Dr Akhil Agrawal, Mental health professional, Kota.“Be passionate after retirement, give time to society, engage yourself with grandchildren and take healthy diet, join card's party, laugh a lot to prevent Alzheimer’s’,” Dr Agarwal said.

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