10/03/2024
DEMENTIA CASES ON THE RISE.
I was invited by East Sepik Provincial Health Authority for two weeks locum which ended last Friday.
I was surprised by the number of dementia cases that were brought to the mental health clinic. In total I saw five of them in total compared to one or two during my last visit in 2022. The youngest was 54 and the oldest was 70.
The youngest one appears to be in the early stages that fits the diagnostic criteria for mild neurocognitive disorder under Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for mental disorders Fifth edition (DSM V).
Although currently working the patient failed the Mini-Cog test, a screening test for dementia and other cognitive disorders.
I've been observing this rise over the past decade. Dementia was rare in the '90s and early 2000s. I recall seeing only one the whole year I worked at Alotau General Hospital in 2000. I don't recall seeing one during our student days.
"Dementia is a general term for loss of memory, language, problem-solving and other thinking abilities that are severe enough to interfere with daily life. Alzheimer's is the most common cause of dementia" (www.alz.org).
There are currently no treatment to cure Dementia in Papua New Guinea unless dementia is caused by a treatable cause like some brain tumours or infection such as HIV. That is why early detection and thorough investigations including all indicated blood tests, CT and MRI scans, spinal fluid analysis etc is a must.
Palliative care is the mainstay of treatment for our set-up. Patients may require psychotropics for mood, behavioural or psychotic symptoms.
Any physical illnesses must be attended to promptly as they may contribute to premature deaths.
Social care needs include providing shelter, food, clothing and other social support like security. People with dementia may not find their way back home and become homeless or be at risk of harm if they wander off with no es**rt.
With no nursing homes or geriatric wards in the country families will be expected to look after them until their demise.
I advise families to take turns and rotate care as they may become stressed and overwhelmed with caring for them alone.
Thanks for reading.
PC: (www.alz.org).
Alzheimer's Association national site – information on Alzheimer's disease and dementia symptoms, diagnosis, stages, treatment, care and support resources.
