Nursing students enlighten Wentworth seniors

Since many have been identified as diabetic and hypertensive, the nursing students have found many gaps about their knowledge of the conditions. “We prepared presentations and distributed information booklets containing diet information and lifestyle changes to the citizens. Since our core focus in mental illness we educated them on how hypertension could lead to dementia,” said student, Zandile Khumalo.

Dementia is a term used to describe symptoms such as memory loss, confusion, and problems with speaking and understanding. It is usually progressive, meaning that symptoms get worse over time. Having high blood pressure is a risk factor for vascular dementia.

They touched on uncontrolled high blood pressure (hypertension) and how it can cause problems by damaging and narrowing the blood vessels in the brain. “Over time, this raises the risk of a blood vessel becoming blocked or bursting. If blood cannot carry energy and oxygen to a part of the brain, due to a blocked or burst blood vessel, some cells in the brain may be damaged or even die.This damage can sometimes affect a person’s memory, thinking, or language skills. This is called vascular dementia, ” said Chiragudeen Shaik.

Sgcino Hlophe educated the elderly on the benefits of lowering their blood pressure, “Through lifestyle changes and medication you can reduce your risk. Vascular dementia is most commonly caused by the effects of a stroke. You can lower your risk of a stroke by keeping your blood pressure and cholesterol levels down,”he said.

A blood pressure machine and a blood glucose monitor was donated by Azaad Shaik from Instyle Linen to the club and a demonstration was given to show the senior citizens how to safely use the devices.

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