Alzheimer’s is a common disease among elderly people everywhere, and Malaysians are no exception. Based on the National Health and Morbidity Survey (2018), the prevalence of dementia was 8.5% for people age sixty years and above.
The disease affects the patient’s cognitive function in short-term memory. The common symptoms we can observe from dementia patients are lack of ability to recall recent events, forgetting names, misplacing belongings and asking repeated questions. The disease does not only affect the person’s cognitive function but also his or her social ability. At the later stages of the disease, the patient experiences massive mood and behavior change. He or she also gets agitated easily, feels depressed and anxious, and lacks motivation in life. All of these will ultimately cause despair.
The Alzheimer’s Disease Foundation Malaysia (ADFM) is an NGO which advocates and raises public awareness of the disease. The foundation provides support and guidance for caregivers of patients with dementia. It is our privilege to be able to collaborate with ADFM in promoting awareness and encouraging volunteers in their daycare centre.
Our students actively participated in the ADFM talk series during the World Alzheimer Month 2021. This exposure on the disease has strengthened their understanding of the disease in particular and cognitive psychology in general. They got the opportunity to learn from experts from different fields such as neuropsychiatrists, geriatricians and clinical psychologists. Some of our lecturers also conducted class activities in conjunction with this event. The students shared their learning outcomes with their peers and demonstrated a keen interest in cognitive psychology.
In 2022, we are planning to organise visits to the ADFM daycare centre for students to obtain hands-on experience to interact with Alzheimer patients. During this visit, students can develop their observation and communication skills when dealing with people with different needs. They will also get the opportunity to practise social responsibility. As future practitioners in a caring profession, we put our care and love for society into real action.
