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local Monday 24 october 2022
Life after Alzheimer’s diagnosis

Drs. Melva Croes Yánez (Neuropsychologist / President of Alzheimer Foundation Aruba (FAA)

ORANJESTAD – Recently
Aruba Alzheimer Founda-
tion gave a presentation
regarding topics of impor-
tance for the group in our
community who needs
more attention and sup-
port, our older persons.
Together with Drs. Melva
Croes Yanez, who aside
from her work at the foun-
dation is a neuropsycholo-
gist, we want to help bring
awareness to the com-
munity regarding what our
older persons are experi-
encing and what we can
do to help, ensuring them
the quality of life they de-
serve.

In order to create aware-
ness and education, it is im-
portant to understand cer-
tain aspects and put the
focus on these. This is not
only important for Alzheim-
er’s patients but for any as- sis, and in turn the life, treat- agnosis that complies with was not made according in the patient. Until now,
pect relating to health. ment and guidance that this process. to protocol, the information there are still profession-
the patient will receive af- that was provided was not als refusing to use the new
Diagnosis: what is it? ter diagnosis, for example Importance of a reliable correctly interpreted, the introduced term of ‘neu-
This is the process carried because of misunderstand- process and diagnosis material used lacks cred- rocognitive disorders’ and
out by an authorized and ings. The importance of a reli- ibility and did not take the choose to continue using
competent professional able process and diagnosis cultural norms of the cli- the word dementia – which
with the goal of determin- When all the necessary for the client or patient is ent into consideration, or it means, ‘without mind’. Use
ing the origin and nature of tests have been complet- for example to bring clar- was interpreted according of this term can have con-
a condition/illness, through ed, the professional or doc- ity for the patient who has to the cultural framework sequences on the diagno-
an extensive evaluation of tor will analyze the results uncertainty regarding their of reference of the profes- sis, because if the diagno-
the signs, symptoms and in order to determine the condition; can guarantee sional, etc. sis itself speaks of a person
tests (laboratory and clini- possible cause of the symp- adequate treatment; can without a mind, it can be
cal, for example, MRI, phys- toms that were observed. reduce or possibly prevent Neurocognitive disorder in- expected that those who
iological, neuropsychologi- This results in a diagnosis. complications and/or pro- stead of dementia receive this diagnosis will
cal, etc.) gression of the condition. DSM-5 was introduced begin acting according to
The professional gives the A correct diagnosis ac- in 2013. In general, DSM this expression.
For this process to be reli- diagnosis to the client or cording to protocol can stands for Diagnostic Sta-
able, we must always take patient. prevent damage caused tistical Manual and its roots This can have as a conse-
into consideration and The medical professional by an unnecessary diagno- go back to the 19th centu- quence that the client or
adapt based on cultural has an obligation to ex- sis and/or incorrect treat- ry. This 5th manual, same as patient will not be given
differences in emotional plain the result in an honest ment. those before it, is directed the usual respect and care,
and physical expressions way that the client or pa- among others to scientists and might even be stigma-
of the client or patient. This tient as well as their repre- Aside from eliminating un- and advisors who deter- tized because of the diag-
means that it is not enough sentative can understand; certainty with the client, mine the standard and nosis. This without a doubt
to just bring a translator to and to give this diagnosis their family and represen- protocols of classification will lead to stigmatization,
ensure good communica- to the patient in writing. This tatives, the diagnosis can of mental disorders and ill- discrimination, depersonifi-
tion at the doctor’s office! is to fulfill the civic rights of also open the door for the nesses. All those working cation and even abuse or
the patient or client. opportunity to come into on the field of diagnosis negligence of those suffer-
This is mentioned because It is extremely important to contact with other people of mental disorders and ill- ing one of these progres-
it is customary for a fam- understand this part, ac- with the same condition in nesses need to have knowl- sive conditions after diag-
ily member of the client, or cording to Croes Yanez. order to receive support, edge of DSM-5 in order to nosis.
the doctor’s secretary, to With this knowledge, when better self-management of provide the most reliable
assume the role of transla- we are receiving a service the condition and progno- diagnosis possible. FAA continues fighting for
tor or interpreter during the from a medical profession- sis on how to deal with the the dignity of all those suf-
medical intake interview al we can be sure that this condition, and can also Since 2013, the terminol- fering from neurocognitive
with the client or patient. fulfills our rights, and that contribute to a better qual- ogy ‘neurocognitive disor- disorders, so they can be
This interpreter, who is not they are fulfilling their tasks ity of life after diagnosis. der’ is used replacing the sure that for FAA, every hu-
an adequate professional, and obligations correctly. term ‘dementia’, which is man being is someone has
has a tendency to make It can happen that a di- considered a rude word. a mind.q
mistakes in the translation It is important that we al- agnosis is not correct. This In fact, this term does not
which can potentially be ways make sure that we can have different reasons. fit with the description of
dangerous for the diagno- are receiving a reliable di- For example, the diagnosis the symptoms observed