Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1265051
13 maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 1 JULY 2020 OPINION Ivan Bartolo Ivan Bartolo is a Member of Parliament for the Nationalist Party IN my experience working within the social field, l came across so many categories of people within our Soci- ety. I have come across people with so- cial problems, people who are home- less, people who are facing financial problems, people having problems of a housing nature. People having se- vere medical problems, others who have psychological or psychiatric problems, others who are elderly and may be suffering from dementia. In order words I have come across peo- ple from all walks of life. But what is dementia and how does it affect our society? Dementia is a medical problem which brings forth problems in soci- ety. It can appear when a person is as young as 30 years or at a very old age, so the spectrum is vast and wide. Dementia is a degeneration of the brain cells which – once lost – can- not unfortunately be restored. And the more cells are lost, the quicker and easier it is for dementia to set in. Dementia starts in a mild form which might take a couple of years to be di- agnosed, then it starts progressing to an extent that it becomes aggressive. The final stage of dementia is death. Let us not get lost on the fatality of the problem, and try to focus on how it affects society in general. When one is diagnosed with dementia, one would show very simple signs such as forgetfulness. However when one shows signs of forgetting does not necessarily mean that they are suf- fering from dementia. At this stage of the dementia curve, it is hardly no- ticeable by the man in the street. If the problem is diagnosed and at- tended to ealry in its onset, it can ac- tually be slowed down and therefore the effects are more difficult to pro- nounce. Dementia can take from one to eight or 10 years to reach the final stages. People looking after a person who is suffering from dementia need a great deal of support. It is very stressful living with a per- son who has dementia, as the person becomes so demanding and does not actually realise it. If they ask for a glass of water, they may ask again and may accuse those caring for them of neglecting them or being cruel. From this stage onwards, people suf- fering from dementia might accuse those around them indiscriminately. Accustions of theft, neglect and dam- aging things are not uncommon. Others may be speaking to a person without recognising them, even if close relatives. One can appreciate the intensity of the situation and how things are even more difficult for people suffering from dementia who live alone. It is therefore imperative that so- ciety ensures people suffering from dementia – at whatever stage – are protected and looked after by pro- fessionals, as well as family members when available. Dementia and its effect on society It is very stressful living with a person who has dementia, as the person becomes so demanding and does not actually realise it