#WorldAlzheimersDay is an opportunity to educate & encourage support of & demystify #dementia. On World Alzheimer’s Day, Wednesday, 21 September 2022, the Muslim Mind Collaborative delivered a podcast on the topic of Dementia awareness within Muslim communities. This episode explores how faith and religious practice may support prevention and help manage the condition through routine, connection and familiarity. Exploring how support services and multi-lingual resources have improved awareness and service outreach in areas where there are high concentrations of Muslim population. And finally, we explore the experiences of family members and carers living with Dementia patients, what culture and faith-sensitive approaches have meant to those receiving support. Listen to the podcast at https://anchor.fm/muslim-mind/episodes/Dementia-awareness-within-Muslim-communities-e1o5ldh

“If We grant long life to any, We cause him to be reversed in nature…” (Surah Yasin, 36:68)

We are in Alzheimer’s and Dementia Awareness Month and it is part of our faith to be aware that such things may afflict us. It is clearly stated in in the Qur’an that if we are granted long life then as we enter old age we will likely face a decline in strength and knowledge:

People, if you are in any doubt about the resurrection, We originally created you from clay, then from a drop of semen, this became a clot of blood, then a lump of flesh – some parts recognisable others unrecognisable – then a foetus. We revealed this to make the Resurrection clear for you. We plant in wombs whatever We chose for a fixed term, then We bring you out as a baby; then you reach maturity, after which some of you die young while others proceed to feeble old age, to the extent that they know nothing after having known so much. Likewise, you see the Earth appear lifeless; then, when We send down rain, it stirs and swells, producing beautiful pairs of plants. (Surah Al Hajj, Ayah 5)

Some people in the congregation may have family who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or another form on dementia. Here are some of the common signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia to be aware of:

  • Memory loss is the most common symptom. This will show up in the form of forgetting important dates or events, repetitive questioning, forgetfulness beyond the expected with aging.
  • Individuals can change in personality and mood, becoming anxious, confused, suspicious, depressed, agitated, and fearful particularly when they are somewhere that is not familiar to them.
  • Dementia can impair judgement and decision making so that the individual might appear irresponsible This could be things like dressing improperly for the weather, giving excess money to people including strangers, and attention to grooming and hygiene may decline. They may begin to say tactless things or shoplift
  • Misplacing things which happens to the best of us however those from Alzheimer’s are likely to leaving their things in strange places and become unable to retrace steps when trying to figure out what they have done/are meant to do.
  • Communication challenges can arise due to a difficulty with vocabulary and other aspects of language which means conversations may stop mid-sentence
  • Sleeping difficulty due to a malfunctioning body clock and declining ability to separate reality and dreams can arise
  • Shadowing can occur and it shows up as childlike and clingy behaviour. It can be like dealing with a toddler in adult form.

These are a few of the symptoms that you may see in someone with dementia. You can see how the reversal back to childlike being as described in the ayahs mentioned earlier. It is important to seek diagnosis as soon as there is suspicion that Alzheimer’s may be involved so that you can seek and gain support both for the carer(s) and the individual with Alzheimer’s. It is difficult to witness this decline in loved ones or parents. It is equally difficult to manage their care without some support and self-care. It can impact us emotionally, psychologically, physically and spiritually.

We are encouraged to treat our elderly with respect, kindness and compassion:

“And your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him. And that you be dutiful to your parents. If one of them or both of them attain old age in your life, say not to them a word of disrespect, nor shout at them but address them in terms of honour.” (Al-Isra:23)

And this can be seen as an opportunity to not only serve them but to also gain the pleasure of Allah (SWT) and bi’idhnillah entry to Jannah:
Abu Hurairah who reported hearing the Prophet (SAW) saying “May his nose be rubbed in dust! May his nose be rubbed in dust! May his nose be rubbed in dust!

“ So Abu Hurairah asked, “Who should be humiliated in such a way O Messenger of Allah?” He, the Prophet SAW) said: “He who found his parents, one or both of them, approaching old age, but did not enter Paradise.” (Bukhari and Muslim)

Some guidelines on how to interact with the elderly in general but particularly those who may have dementia. The treatment of parents should be used as a baseline:

  • Remember what parents and our elders may have done for us. Have patience and be tolerant
  • Be grateful for the opportunity to serve them
  • Self care – ensure that you share the load if possible, if not then look at ways to gain respite. Being a carer is hard work.
  • Treat them with love, mercy, kindness, understanding and compassion
  • Take over roles and responsibilities slowly and as needed, explaining to the elder as much as you can and gaining their consent where possible.

Remembering to maintain their dignity

  • Accept that conversations will have to be repeated. For the person with
    dementia it will be as if they are having it for the first time.
  • Avoid reminding them that they are getting things wrong or are forgetful.
    Doing so is likely to generate confusion and/or induce shame
  • Doing what is right for them to the best of your capacities. Ideally we ought to take care personally of our parents.
  • Have humility as per the ayah: And lower unto them the wing of submission and humility through mercy, and say: “My Lord! Bestow on them Your Mercy as they did bring me up when I was small.” (Al-Isra:24)
  • Make copious amounts of du’as for them and for yourself.
  • Approach organisations that can support you such as Age UK, The Alzheimer’s Society, The Dementia Society, Meri Yaadein and Carers Trust.

This Khutba was written by Khalida Haque, Clinical Services Manager at Mind CHWF a partner organisation of Muslim Mind Collaborative, in consultation with Imam Shahnawaz Haque, Islam-based Psychotherapist and Marital Counsellor.

These are guidance notes to be delivered in a style that suits you and your congregation. May Allah guide to what is best.

Further information can be found at:
Alzheimers Society https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/research/our-research/research-projects/exploring-
dementia-south-asian-community

Report and toolkit for BAME and Dementia
https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/sites/default/files/2021-
09/ethinic_minorities_increasing_access_to_diagnosis.pdf

Ramadan guide
https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/blog/ramadan-and-dementia-care

ADAPT South Asian Dementia Pathway

An online toolkit:

Homepage

Meri Yaadain

Home

Meri Yaadain (meaning my memories), was set up in January 2006 as a project to
explore the impact of dementia on South Asian families who were absent at the point of
accessing care and support.

Multiple resources (posters/booklets etc) in different languages:

Information

Caring for someone with Dementia during Ramadan toolkit in multiple languages: https://www.tide.uk.net/resources/south-asian-carer-resources/

Age UK https://www.ageuk.org.uk
The Dementia Society https://www.dementiauk.org
Carers Trust https://carers.org

Download as pdf: Khutbah Information Alzheimer’s Day and Month 2022

Dementia Conference Poster 2022