SENILITY
Senility may place such a strain on family members, that death, when it comes for the elderly person afflicted is welcomed as a blessed relief.
The dementia associated with senility is one of the greatest problems in our modern society. It affects almost one in six of those over 65.
Some cases are due to hardening of the arteries of the brain. This causes impaired circulation and death of some brain cells.
More than half the cases are due to Alzheimer’s disease. In the past, this disorder was thought to be the main cause of pre-senile dementia coming on in the late forties to sixties, but it is now regarded as the commonest cause of senility in the elderly as well.
In the early stage, the sufferers usually preserve normal personality but can’t seem to learn anything new and recent memory fails. Depression is common.
Eventually, they lose touch with reality, become childish in behavior and speech and may lose control of their bladder and bowels.
Nursing these elderly people at home becomes a great problem for the children.
Nursing homes may be available but not always within the financial reach of many people. Most government or church-run hospitals usually have long waiting lists and some will take these elderly people for a short time while the family takes a holiday.
*557/71/1*
