Emphasis on the role of nonpharmacological interventions in improving the mental health of Alzheimer’s patients
Emphasis on the role of nonpharmacological interventions in improving the mental health of Alzheimer's patients
Dr. Peymaneh Shirin, a faculty member of the University's Gerontology Research Center, while explaining the mental health challenges in patients suffering from this progressive disorder, emphasized the vital importance of non-pharmacological interventions and the key role of families in improving the quality of life and reducing anxiety and depression in these patients.
Dr. Peymaneh Shirin, a faculty member of the Gerontology Research Center at the University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, stated: Alzheimer's disease, as the most common type of dementia, is not only accompanied by the gradual destruction of cognitive abilities but also creates serious challenges in the field of mental health, including anxiety, depression, and behavioral disturbances, which severely affect the quality of life for both the patient and the family.
While noting the need to change the approach to caring for these patients, she emphasized the role of non-pharmacological interventions as effective yet simple solutions. She called these interventions silent lights that can brighten the difficult path of the patients' lives.
Non-pharmacological interventions: the key to preserving dignity and psychological security
Explaining the main strategies in this field, Dr. Shirin spoke of the necessity of creating regular, predictable daily programs and added That Stability in sleep patterns, nutrition, and daily activities can significantly reduce the patient's confusion and anxiety. She also emphasized the importance of regulating the living environment, including reducing stressful stimuli such as noise and irritating lights, and using empathetic, simple communication to maintain patients' human dignity. She said: Engaging patients in meaningful activities, such as listening to familiar music or reviewing memories, helps maintain their sense of identity and belonging. Focusing on the patient's remaining abilities, rather than their disabilities, is one of the fundamental principles of person-centered care.
Family, the main axis of care, requires support
Referring to the undeniable role of families, the faculty member of the Gerontology Research Center warned that family caregivers are also at risk of burnout, anxiety, and depression. To maintain the mental health of these silent light-bearers, utilizing support resources, counseling groups, and training coping skills for families is essential.
Dr. Shirin concluded by noting: Given the growing elderly population, managing comorbid psychiatric disorders in Alzheimer's patients requires continuous and interdisciplinary cooperation among mental health specialists, physicians, nurses, and families to implement an efficient and sustainable care model in society.
نظر دهید