Students pursuing a Diploma in Psychology from the Cognitive Psychology course (COG4013) at SEGi College Subang Jaya, visited the Atria Alzheimer Disease Foundation Malaysia (ADFM) Community Corner at Atria Mall on a mission to understand cognitive impairments among Alzheimer patients. Their lecturer, Ms. Valarmatdi, organised the visit as part of their hands-on learning experience.
The objective of the visit was to observe and gain insights into the cognitive challenges faced by Alzheimer’s patients. The students, divided into small groups of 4-6, engaged the patients in various activities designed to stimulate cognitive functions. These activities included art, singing and dancing, fishing, connecting dots, matching and chatting, and solving alphabet puzzles.
Throughout these activities, the students focused on observing several cognitive processes such as visual imagery, problem-solving, language and comprehension, and decision-making and reasoning. The aim was to identify specific cognitive impairments and understand how these affect the daily lives of those with Alzheimer’s.
Ms. Valarmatdi emphasised the importance of such practical experiences for psychology students. “This visit provides our students with a unique opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings. Observing and interacting with Alzheimer patients helps them better understand the complexities of cognitive impairments and the impact on individuals’ lives,” she said.
The students’ engagement with the Alzheimer’s patients not only served educational purposes but also brought joy and stimulation to the patients, highlighting the therapeutic benefits of such activities. This visit is part of the ADFM’s ongoing efforts to raise awareness and foster community support for Alzheimer’s disease.
