My mum is suffering from depression

My mum is being in-doors for almost a month due to emotional problems and her sleep has been on-and off. She is suffering from depression according to our family doctor. Please shed more light on this problem. Minat N Thanks Minat for your question. According to World Health Organisation “depression is an illness characterized by […]

My mum is being in-doors for almost a month due to emotional problems and her sleep has been on-and off. She is suffering from depression according to our family doctor. Please shed more light on this problem.

Minat N

Thanks Minat for your question. According to World Health Organisation “depression is an illness characterized by persistent sadness and a loss of interest in activities that you normally enjoy, accompanied by an inability to carry out daily activities, for at least two weeks. In addition, people with depression normally have several of the following symptoms: a loss of energy; a change in appetite; sleeping more or less; anxiety; reduced concentration; indecisiveness; restlessness; feelings of worthlessness, guilt, or hopelessness”. It is also more than just lack of sleep. People who are clinically depressed are not just moody or feeling “blue” for a few days. They experience long periods of feeling very down—or in some cases, very anxious or extremely tired—for several weeks or months.

In addition to external, societal factors that may contribute to depression, there are other reasons why a person might become depressed. These include traumatic life experiences such as the death of a loved one, taking medications with unpleasant side effects, substance abuse, hormonal changes, or a family history of depression. The situation you are now can cause depression also.  

Signs and symptoms of depression may include

1.Depressed or irritable mood most of the day—nearly every day 

2.Loss of interest or pleasure in activities (such as hobbies, work, sex, or being with friends) most of the day—nearly every day 

3.A sudden change in weight or appetite 

4.Inability to sleep or sleeping too much 

5.Agitation or restlessness (observed by others) 

6.Constant fatigue or loss of energy 

7.Frequent feelings of worthlessness or guilt 

8.Difficulty concentrating or making decisions 

9.Frequent thoughts of death or suicide 

Some measures that you can take 

1.Ensures your mum has  good relaxation  

2.A change of environment will  help her to forget the experience , or taken a  few days break from work   

3.Encourage her to change diet and encourage physical body exercise.

4.If problem still persist, she can place on some drugs only by prescription. 

What is Alzheimer’s disease?

Happy new year to our weekly health column. Wishing you more health and strength as you serve the humanity via this column. Please I want to understand Alzheimer disease in a simple language as someone told me it happens in old age.

Kelechi U

Alzheimer’s disease is an irreversible, progressive brain disease that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills, and eventually even the ability to carry out the simplest tasks. In most people with Alzheimer’s, symptoms first appear after the age 60. 

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia among older people. Dementia is the loss of cognitive functioning—thinking, remembering, and reasoning and behavioral abilities, to such an extent that it interferes with a person’s daily life and activities. 

Very Early Signs and Symptoms.

Memory problems are typically one of the first warning signs of cognitive loss, possibly due to the development of Alzheimer’s disease. Some people with memory problems have a condition called amnestic mild cognitive impairment (MCI). People with this condition have more memory problems than normal for people their age, but their symptoms are not as severe as those seen in people with Alzheimer’s disease. 

Mild Alzheimer’s disease.

As Alzheimer’s disease progresses, memory loss worsens, and changes in other cognitive abilities are evident. Problems can include, for example, getting lost, trouble handling money and paying bills, repeating questions, taking longer to complete normal daily tasks, using poor judgment, and having some mood and personality changes. 

Moderate Alzheimer’s disease

In this stage, damage occurs in areas of the brain that control language, reasoning, sensory processing, and conscious thought. Memory loss and confusion grow worse, and people begin to have problems recognizing family and friends. 

Severe Alzheimer’s disease

By the final stage, plaques and tangles have spread throughout the brain, and brain tissue has shrunk significantly. People with severe Alzheimer’s cannot communicate and are completely dependent on others for their care.