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1. What is an Old Age Psychiatrist?
An Old Age Psychiatrist (a.k.a. Geriatric Psychiatrist) is a
Psychiatrist that has undergone specific training to treat
the specific ways that older people with psychiatric and
psychological conditions present, along with chronic
physical conditions. About 50% of what I do is the diagnosis
and treatment of illnesses such as Depression, Anxiety, Panic
Attacks, OCD, Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia and the
other half of what I do involves the diagnosis and treatment
of people of any age with memory problems/Dementia.
2. What is the difference between Dementia and
Alzheimer’s?
Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe a group
of diseases of which Alzheimer’s Dementia is the most
common form worldwide. Alzheimer’s is a slow, progressive,
condition that results from a reduction in certain brain
chemicals as well as the accumulation of abnormal deposits
that lead to the death of brain cells. Although it is irreversible
and there is presently no cure, we can slow down the
process and help patients and families cope with any
problems that crop up.
The second most common type of Dementia is called
Vascular Dementia and this results from damage to the
circulation of the brain. This can result from something
sudden like a stroke or it can be due to the build up of many
tiny blockages in the very small veins of the brain, so slowly
that you don’t realize.
Other less common types are Parkinson’s Dementia and
Lewy Body Dementia.
3. What are some warning signs of Dementia?
• Short term memory problems including regularly
forgetting appointments, people’s names, conversations,
misplacing personal items, and repeating oneself
over and over
• Difficulty preparing a meal; doing the shopping;
paying bills
• Forgetting the names of common things like a pencil or
a watch, and substituting them with other similar words
or even describing things instead of naming them
• Becoming lost or forgetting how to get to a familiar place
or how to get home
• Difficulty understanding that driving has become
dangerous or that working is no longer possible or that
banking has become too difficult
• The person may become very passive, not wishing to
do their usual enjoyable activities, and may need cues or
prompting to get involved
• The person may become confused, suspicious or
withdrawn or act out of character or they may become
verbally or physically aggressive
• The person may have very obvious mood swings, from
being calm, to sudden tears or anger, for no apparent
reason
4. What should a person do if they are worried about their
memory?
Make an appointment with a professional who has been
specifically trained in the assessment, diagnosis and
management of Dementia. The tests that I do include testing
of brain function using standardised questions, blood tests (to
rule out physical causes of memory loss) and an MRI brain
scan. Coming to see me is not a scary experience by any
means! Once a diagnosis is made, Alzheimer’s Dementia
is treated with medication that keeps the person as good as
possible for as long as possible. The most important thing is
ensuring quality of life and that the person is as happy as can
be!
5. What happens after a diagnosis of Dementia?
After a diagnosis life doesn’t end. You simply carry on doing
all the things you like to do (once it is safe!) but everyone
will be more aware and more understanding of the particular
problems involved, to be able to help as much as they can. I
also refer people to the Alzheimer’s Association of Trinidad
& Tobago for expert support and advice from these very
experienced people who give essential practical guidance.
The organisation can be contacted on 632-4791 and has
branches in POS, Arima, San Fernando and Tobago.
Dr. James E. Bratt
Old Age Psychiatrist
36 Ranjit Kumar Street
St. James, Trinidad, West Indies
(Tel) 622-9937 (Fax) 622-9705
UNDERSTANDING
DEMENTIA...
TTARP BUY A $100
BRICK BUILDING FUND
We appeal to members to contribute to the
TTARP Building Fund. Next year we are hoping to
commence construction and any contribution will
be greatly appreciated. You can buy 1 brick, 10
bricks, 100 bricks, any amount, it’s all up to you.
Contributors to TTARP’s Building Fund :-
David Rampersad, Diego Martin Zone “Western
Pearls”, Gail D. A. Stewart, Graciela Margarita,
D’Andradea, Henrietta Guevara, Juliet Burnett,
Kadiran Nicholas, Leila Chatoo, Marion Borde,
Mercia Ramirez, Molly Narayansingh, Ms. Bailey-
Mohammed, Netsanet Amare, Russell & Meurise
Alexander, San Fernando Zone (Purple Diamond),
Shirley Senhouse, Tobago Happy Haven Zone,
Yvonne Tobitt
