Understanding Dementia: Cognitive Impairments and Symptoms
Essentially, dementia is a general term that means a group of symptoms affecting cognitive abilities, such as memory, thinking, and social functioning. Not long ago, I attended an Alzheimer’s caregiver support group meeting at a Catholic Church in Murrells Inlet, SC, where the members spoke on effective communication strategies. Certain points worth addressing, such as the meeting’s role, what it focused on, various activities that took place, and how the meeting was conducted in general.
Purpose and Role of the Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Group
Ruth Keilen, the Alzheimer’s Association group facilitator, organized it to discuss the concerns of and support dementia victims. As Keilen stated, the members feel safe and can freely express their thoughts, as such meetings are supposed to create a “no judgment zone” for them.
Activities and Member Participation in the Meeting
The meeting was focused on effective communication strategies with those living with dementia. Some of them can include patience, empathy, and flexibility, among others, to promote meaningful connections and the overall well-being of the representatives (Livingstone et al., 2020). General activities include discussions, face-to-face problem-sharing, and public sharing of current concerns and struggles. They help the members eliminate feelings of abandonment and loneliness, as other people can relate to certain conditions and problems.
Meeting Environment and Facilitation by Ruth Keilen
The meeting was conducted in a Catholic Church, with about ten members. Again, Ruth Keilen made a significant contribution by allowing such meetings to be as interactive as possible and extracting positivity and material for further scientific investigations of the disease.
Impact of the Alzheimer’s Association on Quality of Life
As can be seen, the Alzheimer’s Association plays a crucial role in supporting individuals with the disease. Through its activities, such as the above-mentioned meetings, services, and advocacy efforts, it strives to improve the quality of life for those affected by Alzheimer’s and dementia in general. Figures like Ruth Keilen work toward finding effective and fruitful strategies to be applied to the victims of the diseases.
Reference
Livington, G., et al. (2020). Dementia prevention, intervention, and care: 2020 report of the Lancet Commission. The Lancet Commissions, 396(10248), 413-446. Web.