Mental Health Matters

Mental health – two words that encompass a whole range of conditions which require tolerence, support and understanding. Here we look at dementia as well as RTT, a different path to mental freedom.

DEMENTIA

Dementia, in its many forms, can be difficult to live with, let alone understand.

Chris Grasby from Association France Alzheimer Dordogne, looks at this distressing condition.

First of all, there isn’t a difference, as such, between dementia and Alzheimer’s. Alzheimer’s is a type of dementia. There are others in this “family” of problems, including dementia with Lowey Bodies and vascular dementia to name just two. All have different causes and different symptoms, but all are physical deteriorations of the brain through one of a number of mechanisms that cause memory impairment and behavioural changes.

The actual causes of dementia are not yet known. Nor are there any available cures. Set against the background of recent well publicised failures to develop new medication, there is now a focus on the importance of the earliest possible diagnosis. Existing drugs can delay the development of symptoms. It is thought that if these drugs could be prescribed much, much earlier they would be much more effective in delaying the disease. This demands greater awareness of the subtle and slow changes in the early stages of dementia.

Since many of us will be affected as the population ages, what more can we do to understand it better? How we react to the personality changes and idiosyncratic behaviour the disease brings is a key to a better life. There are classic symptoms, but no predictable ways in which they develop.

Anger and violence are not inevitable. However, unpredictable behaviour may leave friends wary. All too often the carer becomes isolated as they struggle to cope. It’s important that we all remember that talking about the problems and remaining supportive of family and friends is vital.

The challenges of repeated questioning and erratic behaviour often lead couples into conflict. But try this simple set of rules:

• don’t ask direct questions,

• don’t interrupt,

• don’t contradict.

It’s important that someone with dementia should not be reminded of their failings. It’s difficult, as many events in an unfolding day will need decisions and action.

The France Alzheimer Association and its support groups offer help to those with dementia, and to their carers who bear the brunt of support for their loved ones day to day, whilst ensuring access to social and medical care.

In the meantime we wait for a cure. For the moment, there are many sources of advice available to reduce the risk of the onset of dementia, many centred on lifestyle issues such as exercise, diet and activities. Interestingly, they do say that one of the best ways to stimulate brain activity is to learn a foreign language!

www.francealzheimer.org/dordogne

ENGLISH SPEAKING DEMENTIA SUPPORT SOUTH DORDOGNE

www.francealzheimer.org/dordogne

We have funding to start a new group with professional support. If you are interested in joining us as a carer or possible volunteer please contact us. Tel: 06 09 21 06 09 or Email: cgrasby@gmx.com

RAPID TRANSFORMATIONAL THERAPY (RTT)

Maaike Beckers of Metamind tells us about how we can take a different path to mental freedom.

Having to deal with any issue that’s holding you back, causing you emotional or physical pain is hard work and stops you from living the life you deserve.

More and more people now realise the benefits of having therapy to resolve these issues.

A new and pioneering therapy is Rapid Transformational Therapy (RTT), designed by Marisa Peer, therapist and best-selling author with 30 years of experience in this field. RTT embraces many of the positive aspects of proven therapy techniques.

What makes RTT different from other treatments is that with the help of hypnosis you will be able to find the root cause of the limiting belief that is holding you back. These beliefs are often formed a long time ago and can still cause behaviour that now no longer serves you. With RTT you can change these beliefs with simple steps to produce life-changing results.

During the RTT process, you will find what is holding you back, work on letting it go and replace it with thoughts, images and beliefs that will serve you and enable you to live the life that you deserve.

In most cases only one session is required, combined with listening to a personalized audio tape for 21 days. Counselling throughout this process is provided.

This therapy can be used for a variety of issues, such as mental well-being, physical, relationship or performance issues.

www.metamind.nl

ADDITIONAL LINKS

Looking after yourself through stress, anxiety, depression and other ailments is essential to your overall well-being. Articles about the following aids and therapies can be found in previous issues of the magazine at www.thelocalbuzzmag.com/read-online. These and other articles on health can also be read in our online Articles section.