14. November 2016 Health & Life Magazine

MENTAL HEALTH
Tips for a Healthy Old Age
We all want a healthy old age, one where we can enjoy watching our
children and grandchildren grow up and evolve into mature adults.
To keep your body and brain in tip top shape as long as possible, all you need
to do is follow some simple lifestyle rules:
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02
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Healthy diet: Ditch the processed foods, refined sugars and fizzy drinks—these
are linked to diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular disease. Instead focus on
fresh fruits and vegetables, gluten-free grains, lean protein and plenty of brainfriendly
omega 3’s (which you can find in oily fish).
Brain teasers: Keep your mind quick and sharp by doing cross word puzzles,
Sudoku, learning a new language, reading a book on a topic that you find
challenging but interesting, or playing memory games.
Move your body: There’s an old saying: “Use it, or lose it”. This applies to
your mind and your body. As we get older, we lose range of motion and
muscle mass, so exercising regularly, even in the form of gentle daily walks, is
important to maintain a fit, healthy body, well into old age.
We spoke to Dr. Maryam Al Obaidli, Consultant at the
Elderly Services Department at Rumaila Hospital, to find out about
possible treatments for dementia and the hospital’s new Memory Clinic.
What are the treatment
options for dementia?
There are two avenues open to people
who have been diagnosed with
dementia.
If the disease is in its early stages,
the advice is to move away from
unhealthy habits, like smoking, and
improve lifestyle with a healthy
diet and exercise. Practicing mental
exercises, like crosswords or
mathematical equations, can improve
memory. Using strategies like having a
daily agenda, writing lists and setting
reminders on a phone can also help.
The other option involves medication.
Patients are advised to attend the
weekly Memory Clinic at the Out-
Patient Department at Rumaila
Hospital, which specializes in
Alzheimer’s and dementia diagnosis.
The clinic performs memory tests to
ascertain the percentage of memory
loss; blood tests and CAT scans
are used to determine the possible
causes. While there is no cure, some
medications can delay the effect of
dementia on the brain. Small doses are
prescribed to begin with, and regular
follow up appointments help monitor
the progress and adjust the dosage if
needed.
“Chronic diseases
like diabetes, high
blood pressure and
strokes affect brain
cells and memory,
so we always advise
patients to manage
these diseases if
they have them.”
Dr. Al Obaidli
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HEALTH AND LIFE
Can you tell us more about the
Memory Clinic?
Rumaila Hospital have developed “Enaya,”
or “Memory Clinic,” which works with
patients with severe dementia. Families can,
understandably, find it extremely challenging
to deal with the condition—the clinic provides
assistance by offering emotional support, and
teaching the best ways to interact with the
patient and how to give medication.
How do you raise awareness of
dementia?
Rumaila Hospital often hold awareness
campaigns to spread information about how
best to look after a person with dementia
and how to avoid the disease. These events
provide support and information for both
patients and families. In collaboration
with Dr. Hanadi, Head of the Elderly
Services Department, the hospital has
created workshops and lectures to share
new research about possible cures and
treatments with other medical professionals.
Can you offer any advice to our
readers?
Rumaila Hospital advise people who notice
signs or symptoms to visit the Memory Clinic. A
referral can be obtained from any health center.