Campaign to Improve the Quality of Life of Older People with Dementia

Hungary Today 2024.05.08.

Over a hundred people living in nursing homes exercised together with bodybuilding athletes at the Baglyaskő Home for the Elderly (MMSZ Gondviselés- Háza Baglyaskő Időskorúak Otthona) of the Hungarian Charity Service of the Order of Malta in Salgótarján (northern Hungary). The campaign of Scitec Nutrition and the charity service raises awareness of the importance of exercise in old age, writes Index.

The joint campaign of Scitec Nutrition and the Hungarian Charity Service of the Order of Malta aims to raise awareness of the importance of physical activity to improve the quality of life of elderly people, especially those suffering from dementia.

The disease, associated with a pathological loss of mental capacity, affects more than seven million people in Europe.

The event has been supported by Scitec Nutrition, a major international company that manufactures and markets dietary supplements, and has donated almost HUF 7 million (EUR 17,991), vitamin supplements, and an educational video on physical activity.

Dementia in Hungary is estimated to affect 250-300,000 people, but if the relatives who care for them are included, it affects approximately one million people, making it one of the most significant complex social, health, and welfare problems for a long time. It is particularly prevalent among those over 65 and

much more than a “disease of forgetfulness,” as it leads to personality changes, emotional and social decline, and behavioral disorders.

According to the current state of medical science, there is no cure, and drug interventions can only alleviate the symptoms, but have no effect on the progression of the disease.

Fact

Dementia is not a single disease. It is an overall term to describe a collection of symptoms that one may experience if they are living with a variety of diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease. Diseases grouped under the general term “dementia” are caused by abnormal brain changes. Dementia symptoms trigger a decline in thinking skills, also known as cognitive abilities, severe enough to impair daily life and independent function. They also affect behavior, feelings, and relationships. Dementia is often incorrectly referred to as “senility” or “senile dementia,” reflecting the formerly widespread but incorrect belief that serious mental decline is a normal part of aging.

The Hungarian Charity Service of the Order of Malta cares for approximately 2,000 elderly people in 24 institutions across the country. They provide daily care, nursing, and care services that help to make the residents’ lives easier, more pleasant, and dignified. Many elderly people with dementia live in the homes.

People with dementia may have more limited mobility, hence it is important for them to maintain an active lifestyle and to exercise regularly.

They can benefit from a form of exercise that is specifically adapted to their needs. Physical activity can help people with physical, sensory or intellectual disabilities, or dementia to maintain their existing motor functions, physical fitness, and sense of balance.

In this context, the partners’ current campaign has involved brand ambassadors in producing an educational video for older people and people with dementia, highlighting the key role of sport in improving their quality of life.

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Via Index; Featured image via Pexels