Recognising Alzheimer’s: Mental Health in Older Persons
She wakes slowly in the morning, pausing to remember where she placed her glasses or what day it is. Some moments come clearly; others are shrouded in confusion. Her family notices repeated questions, misplaced items, or a story retold endlessly. These are not just quirks of old age, they may be signs of Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia.
As we continue October, Mental Health Awareness Month, and reflect on World Alzheimer’s Day (21 September), SAMDP focuses on Alzheimer’s, its recognition, early detection, and support for older persons and families.
Recognising Alzheimer’s: Key Signs to Watch For
Alzheimer’s does not affect everyone the same way, but there are several early warning signs everyone should be aware of:
1. Memory Loss That Disrupts Daily Life
- Forgetting recently learned information, important dates, or events
- Repeatedly asking for the same information
2. Difficulty Planning or Solving Problems
- Trouble following familiar recipes, keeping track of bills, or managing finances
3. Confusion with Time or Place
- Losing track of dates, seasons, or the passage of time
- Forgetting where they are or how they got there
4. Difficulty Completing Familiar Tasks
- Struggling with daily routines like driving, cooking, or using a mobile phone
5. Trouble Understanding Visual Images or Spatial Relationships
- Problems reading, judging distance, or recognizing faces
6. New Problems with Words in Speaking or Writing
- Difficulty following or joining conversations
- Struggling to find the right words or calling things by unusual names
7. Misplacing Things and Losing the Ability to Retrace Steps
- Putting items in unusual places
- Accusing others of stealing when they cannot find things
8. Decreased or Poor Judgment
- Making unusual decisions, particularly with money or safety
9. Withdrawal from Work or Social Activities
- Avoiding hobbies, social events, or family interactions
10. Changes in Mood and Personality
- Becoming confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful, or anxious
- Personality changes that seem out of character
SAMDP’s Role: From Recognition to Action
At SAMDP, we recognise that awareness must be matched with meaningful action. Our members are already at the frontline:
- Supporting families and caregivers in their practices by offering guidance on managing the daily challenges of Alzheimer’s with compassion and dignity.
- Advocating for system-wide improvements, using their voices as clinicians to push for policies that make geriatric and mental health services more accessible.
- Raising public awareness, both within their communities and through professional platforms, to break the stigma surrounding Alzheimer’s and normalise conversations about memory loss and ageing.
SAMDP members are not just as medical practitioners, but champions of dignity, equity, and awareness for older persons facing Alzheimer’s disease.
Looking Ahead
This week, we focus on recognising the signs of Alzheimer’s, empowering families, caregivers, and communities to act early. In the coming weeks:
Week 3: Spotlight on Alzheimer’s & Dementia – patient and caregiver stories, early detection strategies, and interventions.
Week 4: Caregivers and Rights – highlighting the critical role of caregivers and advocating for systemic support.
Alzheimer’s may alter memory, but it cannot diminish the dignity, worth, or humanity of older persons. SAMDP remains committed to ensuring that every older South African can age with care, respect, and hope.
