13 December 2007

Alzheimer’s South Africa

We opened the show today with Sheila Cooper, National Executive Director of Alzheimer’s South Africa.

‘Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia. Dementia is a collective name for conditions in which progressive degeneration of the brain affects memory, thinking, behaviour and emotion’

Symptoms may include:


*loss of memory
*difficulty in finding the right words or understanding what people are saying
*difficulty in performing previously routine tasks
*personality and mood changes



For more information contact 0860 102 681





Sleep Apnea

We were later joined by Dr Richard Hirschson, a specialist physician at Milnerton Medi-Clinic. He spoke to us about Sleep Apnea also known as snoring.

‘Those who suffer from Sleep Apnea stop breathing many times during each night's sleep. They complain of excessive daytime sleepiness or poor sleep. Anyone can develop sleep apnea at any age. It is a serious and sometimes life-threatening disorder, which appears to affect men more frequently than women; those who have narcolepsy develop it more often than others’

A definitive diagnosis can only be provided by a specialized test known as a polysomnograph. This test is carried out in their Sleep Clinic (Milnerton Medi-Clinic).

For more information on treatment contact 021 551 2798 or fax 021 551 6118 alternatively email sleepinfo@mweb.co.za. Or visit their clinic at Suite 068, Milnerton Medi Clinic, Cape Town, South Africapicture: news.bbc.co.uk

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