Dementia: a growing concern

Our health, although at times taken for granted, is one of our key assets, without which our life has the potential to fall apart.  This includes both physical and mental health. Physical health can often be given priority at the expense of neglecting our mental health needs.  Unfortunately, mental health is stigmatised and a taboo in our community, however, it is an issue we do need to begin addressing and talking about more openly.

The health improvement board of the Council of European Jamaats has been working with member Jamaats across the UK over a number of years.  Memory difficulties as a possible illness amongst our seniors have been identified as an issue that is spreading at quite a rapid rate. The Seniors Board had initially raised this issue as a concern that needs further input, and as a result we have initiated a project to begin discussing memory problems and dementia within our communities;

Part of our aim is to begin to dispel some of the negative attitudes and stigma attached to those who suffer with dementia as well as their families and carers.

On Saturday 4th September, we began by holding a short talk by a representative of the Birmingham & Solihull branch of the Alzheimer’s society supported by a help desk during the main Jamaat Ramadhan programme.  The talk generated much discussion and the Alzheimer’s society is advising several members as a direct result of this brief educational intervention.  InshAllah we aim to educate and better equip our community to live with and support individuals with dementia.

As a reference, the slides presented on the evening are available here .

HIB - Health Advice