Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease mostly characterized by slow start followed by gradual cognitive, memory and functional impairment. Despite long-standing research in AD-related dementia, mechanisms contributing to Alzheimer’s disease initiation and progression are poorly understood. Notably, systematic monitoring of disease progression and effective therapeutic strategies are currently lacking, with a major emphasis being on the management of any co-existing health disparities. It is of utmost importance that patients with AD have loving and nurturing companion, who can provide not only functional support but also offer emotional stability by being with the patients in the true sense. However, in the scheme of modern lifestyle, AD patients are often left alone for a significant part of the day, when their family members have to go out for their daily livelihood. This is not only detrimental for the patients’ health but can also be dangerous, especially for patients with very low cognitive ability. To this end, the proposed day care center will provide a “home away from home” for AD patients in the form of a safe, loving and nurturing haven for the period of time when their family members are away and busy with their daily activities.
Our society often attaches a stigma to AD by thinking that it is nothing but some mental imbalance caused by aging and such patients are viewed as a nuisance to the society and family. But nothing could be further from the truth. While it is true that both AD and aging have multiple overlapping symptoms, the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms and severity of symptoms in AD is much different from aging. The research center component of the unit will spread awareness of the disease by holding in-person and virtual seminars and also via social media. Data and information for these seminars will be collected by members of the trust from India and USA.
Know and Understand Alzheimer’s will be a continued mission of the Trust. While AD is the most common form of dementia, it should be addressed differently than other forms of dementia. Early and accurate detection of ALZHEIMER’S disease is of utter importance, and presently research on AD is focusing on identifying biomarkers for early detection.
In summary, affectionate and devoted patient care, as well as raised awareness of the disease and associated care will be provided by the center.
TRIPTY BHATTACHARYYA MEMORIAL TRUST 