Virtual Dementia Tour Set at McGehee Campus

Contributing Writer

  
   The University of Arkansas – College of Technology in McGehee will host a virtual dementia tour Monday, Nov. 16.

   Dementia is a serious disorder related to one’s process of thinking, literally meaning to being deprived of the mind. UAM-CTM will host the tour to show the seriousness of dementia and sensitize nursing students to the effects of the disease.

   Primarily for students, the tour will be part of the nursing training during the morning hours, and 15 people from the community will participate in an afternoon session beginning at 1 p.m.

   Participants will engage in everyday activities under the effects of special glasses, which simulate the effects of dementia. Similar seminars have had participants go through the process of putting clothes on hangers; then hanging them up; running a belt through the loops of pants and reading a grocery list.

   The seminar is part of the Arkansas Aging Initiative by the Delta Center on Aging through funding provided by the Donald W. Reynolds Institute on Aging.

   Dodie Danehower, of the Delta Area Health Education Center, will provide the training for students and members of the community.

   According to Danehower, Sensitizing oneself to the experiences of others is a form or respect. To provide good care becoming sensitized to the needs of the elderly with dementia is necessary.

   “When people take the time to identify with someone,” Danehower stated, “It results in more empathy and better clarity of their plight.”

   Dementia come in nearly 30 forms of and most cases are associated with the elderly, though it is possible to start seeing the signs during the teenage years.

   The disease is identified as a non-specific illness syndrome, which makes itself known through a set of signs and symptoms.

   Dementia affects areas of cognition – including memory, attention, language and problem solving – though it must be present at least six months in order to be recognized and diagnosed.

   A 2008 study showed a relationship between dementia and high blood pressure and some blood pressure lowering medications reduce the symptoms. Some diets and the minor consumption of certain alcohol reduce the risks of the disease, though an abuse of alcohol can bring on similar symptoms and medical problems.

   The Delta Area Health Education Center is an outreach of the University of Arkansas Medical Sciences, serving Crittenden, Phillips, Lee, St. Francis, Chicot, Monroe and Desha counties.

   Space is limited and participation in the afternoon session is on a first come, first serve basis. Interested participants can register by calling Julie Hopkins at 870-222-5502.

Have a comment? Please e-mail us.

©The Voice 2009