Ability Forum

[srividyaa]

Bangalore:
Rajendra Kumar, a physics professor in a city college, had to take voluntary retirement at a young age. Not because he opted for it but because he could not continue in the profession as he had a problem of forgetfulness.

Although this young professor was an efficient teacher, a change in behaviour turned him into a source of merriment for his students. Although his seniors in the college tried accommodating him, it was only a matter of time when things spun out of control. He was forced to retire a few years ago and his wife has turned provider for the family.

B. Rajeshwari, whose husband Bhagat Tiwari managed a power-loom unit till recently, first noticed something was wrong when he started forgetting routine things. “He even forgot to bathe sometimes. Although I was always there to support him, he was unable to work after some time and he passed away two years ago. He was an alcoholic and it only added to the problem,” she told The Hindu.

These are two examples of persons affected with pre-senile Alzheimer’s in the city. Such people and their families often face significant changes in their life, especially in their financial situation. This is because those with dementia may still be in full employment when they are diagnosed. They may be the sole breadwinners and it becomes difficult for the family when at some stage they are unable to continue working. This is what happened to Ms. Rajeshwari, who said she is now taking tuitions to educate her only daughter.

Rare condition


According to Mathew Varghese, Professor of Psychiatry in NIMHANS, younger onset dementia or pre-senile dementia is a rare condition that affects people before the age of 60. “But it can be managed effectively and treated if the symptoms are detected at an early stage and medical advice is sought,” said the doctor, who is vice-president of the Bangalore chapter of Alzheimer’s and Related Disorders Society of India (ARDSI).

The symptoms start with forgetfulness. Gradually patients lose their ability to learn new things or process information. They repeat the same story over and over, ask the same question many times and even find it difficult to complete a sentence. According to Priyamvada Muddapur, Programme Manager at ARDSI, dementia affects people differently. “One person may begin to lose the ability to handle money matters or make competent business decisions at an early stage; another may retain these skills much longer. However, sooner or later their abilities will decline and they will need to consider leaving employment,” she explained.

(Some names have been changed).

Source: http://www.hindu.com/2009/09/16/stories/2009091660840300.htm

Bangalore:
Rajendra Kumar, a physics professor in a city college, had to take voluntary retirement at a young age. Not because he opted for it but because he could not continue in the profession as he had a problem of forgetfulness.

Although this young professor was an efficient teacher, a change in behaviour turned him into a source of merriment for his students. Although his seniors in the college tried accommodating him, it was only a matter of time when things spun out of control. He was forced to retire a few years ago and his wife has turned provider for the family.

B. Rajeshwari, whose husband Bhagat Tiwari managed a power-loom unit till recently, first noticed something was wrong when he started forgetting routine things. “He even forgot to bathe sometimes. Although I was always there to support him, he was unable to work after some time and he passed away two years ago. He was an alcoholic and it only added to the problem,” she told The Hindu.

These are two examples of persons affected with pre-senile Alzheimer’s in the city. Such people and their families often face significant changes in their life, especially in their financial situation. This is because those with dementia may still be in full employment when they are diagnosed. They may be the sole breadwinners and it becomes difficult for the family when at some stage they are unable to continue working. This is what happened to Ms. Rajeshwari, who said she is now taking tuitions to educate her only daughter.

Rare condition


According to Mathew Varghese, Professor of Psychiatry in NIMHANS, younger onset dementia or pre-senile dementia is a rare condition that affects people before the age of 60. “But it can be managed effectively and treated if the symptoms are detected at an early stage and medical advice is sought,” said the doctor, who is vice-president of the Bangalore chapter of Alzheimer’s and Related Disorders Society of India (ARDSI).

The symptoms start with forgetfulness. Gradually patients lose their ability to learn new things or process information. They repeat the same story over and over, ask the same question many times and even find it difficult to complete a sentence. According to Priyamvada Muddapur, Programme Manager at ARDSI, dementia affects people differently. “One person may begin to lose the ability to handle money matters or make competent business decisions at an early stage; another may retain these skills much longer. However, sooner or later their abilities will decline and they will need to consider leaving employment,” she explained.

(Some names have been changed).

Source: http://www.hindu.com/2009/09/16/stories/2009091660840300.htm

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