MANDEVILLE, Manchester:

Families of persons suffering from Alzheimer's disease will now find it a little easier to bear the burden of caring for them with the help of the Alzheimer's Jamaica Mandeville Support Group.

The organisation was formed by a number of persons in the parish who have loved ones suffering from the disease.

Alzheimer's disease drew world attention when former United States President Ronald Reagan was diagnosed with the disease, for which there is no known cure.

mood changes

The disease progressively destroys the brain cells, which in turn affects the person's ability to think, remember and make rational decisions. It also causes mood changes, such as frustration in remembering a person or where things were placed.

Although it affects mostly older persons, the disease is not considered a normal part of the ageing process.

During a meeting at the Golf View Hotel on Wednesday, marking Alzheimer's Disease International Day, Dr Dorreth Garvey said medication to slow down the decline of memory loss and the ability to think were now available in Jamaica.

She said, however, early detection of the disease was key to affording the affected persons more time.

Emotional toll

A number of persons who have family members suffering from the disease told of their experiences and the emotional toll they had to endure.

Mark Rochester of Hatfield district, whose father has the disease, had to face a lack of full family support and the perception of Alzheimer's as a penalty for past deeds.

Jennifer Carberry said her situation was further compounded when she had to make the decision to place her mother in a nursing home. She said it was one of the most agonising moments of her life, as she pondered how to explain that though she loved her mother more than any one or thing in the world, she was putting her in a nursing home.

Faye Petgrave, a member of the support group, said the aim of the organisation is to give support to families who have members suffering from the disease, thus allowing them to cope better. She also said the organisation would be helping to educate caregivers about Alzheimer's disease.

- Angelo Laurence