Dementia News Room

DDN Review of 'The Alzheimer's Project'

2009-05-16T18:43:00.009+10:00

It’s been in the news all week, and now for those who don’t know how to access the videos, we bring them to you here, thanks to the HBO website. A must see, however if you have a dodgy internet connection like myself, you may tear your hair out a bit as at least on my screen there is no fast forward function (which can be a pain if you watch half then your connection cuts out).

THE MEMORY LOSS TAPES
Two parts: Approximately 85 minutes in total duration

Extremely and progressively moving video that brought me not just to tears, but to howling tears. There were so many echoes of my father, seeing and talking to people in mirrors, wandering room to room (at least now thanks to Woody, I might now be able to guess at what my father was thinking when he was doing that – ‘Nope, nobody here…’) and those extraordinarily wonderful yet extremely painful moments when they ‘come back’ and you have them again for that moment.
I was also very impressed with the care homes they showed, is that how all care homes are in the United States or is were these just those that the more affluent can afford?

GRANDPA, DO YOU KNOW WHO I AM?
Approximately 30 minutes in duration

Again I was in tears, hearing many of my own thoughts expressed in the words of children, it still hurts even when you are an adult. I’d recommend this to anyone who has children who are dealing with a family member who has dementia as it may answer some of their questions and help them to see other children feeling the same emotions. However, I would recommend that parents watch it themselves first, so that they can identify areas in the film where they might want to add in their own comments when their children watch it. One comment that would apply to my family, and probably to others, is that although Alzheimer’s might affect the memory, not all people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease completely forget who their family members are.

MOMENTUM IN SCIENCE
Two parts: Approximately 2 hours in total duration

Very informative. This video looks at the many different areas that scientists are researching in, in the hopes that they can either prevent, slow down or cure the disease. If you are new to the disease this will help you understand the background to a lot of the news stories posted on here. If you have been reading about the research for years like myself, this video can get a little boring however, and you may find that the supplementary series (below) is more what you are looking for.

The Supplementary Series:

Understanding and Attacking Alzheimer’s – 12 mins

Repeats a little bit of what was covered in the main ‘Momentum in Science’ video but is very positive and interesting. If you want to feel hope, watch this.

How Far We Have Come In Alzheimer’s Research – 15 mins

A great history and overview of scientific research plus a good dose of hope as well.

Identifying Mild Cognitive Impairment – 20 mins

Provides some information not only on what can be the beginnings of Alzheimer’s disease but also Llewy Bodies dementia and touches on frontotemporal dementia. Supports the importance of early diagnosis.

More of the Supplementary Series Videos:

The Role of Genetics in Alzheimer's - 12 minutes

Advances in Brain Imaging - 11 minutes

Looking into the future of Alzheimer's - 6 minutes

The Connection Between Insulin and Alzheimer's - 21 minutes

Inflammation, the immune system and Alzheimer's - 29 minutes

The Benefit of Diet and Exercise in Alzheimer's - 16 minutes

Cognitive Reserve: What the Religious Orders Study is Revealing about Alzheimer's - 20 minutes

Searching for an Alzheimer's cure: The Story of Flurizan - 30 minutes

The Pulse of Drug Development - 15 minutes

The DeMoe Family: Early Onset Alzheimer's Genetics - 25 minutes

The Nanny/Felts Family: Late Onset Alzheimer's Genetics - 20 minutes

The Quest for Biomarkers - 17 minutes

CAREGIVERS
Approximately 48 minutes in duration

A touching portrayal of caregiving during different stages of the disease. It wasn't too teary because for the most part the caregivers depicted were so strong, no doubt because they had to learn to be. There was also a bit of a message of hope towards the end and I think the important things to take from this film is to always try to live in the moment when you are dealing with dementia causing condition, and look after yourself because you are no use to your loved one if you get sick. I particularly identified with what one of the caregivers said, that the moments you can make them happy even in last stages, make it all worth it

Elder Care & Elder Rage

2009-05-15T13:01:00.003+10:00

Know the EARLY Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease

For eleven years I pleaded with my elderly father to allow a caregiver to help him with my ailing mother, but after 55 years of loving each other he adamantly insisted on taking care of her himself. Every caregiver I hired to help him sighed in exasperation, "Jacqueline, I just can't work with your father—his temper is impossible to handle. I don't think he’ll accept help until he's on his knees himself."

My father had always been 90% great, but boy that temper was a doozy. He’d never turned it on me before, but then again I'd never gone against his wishes either. When my mother nearly died from an infection caused by his inability to continue to care for her, I flew from southern California to San Francisco to try to save her life—having no idea that in the process it would nearly cost me my own.

EARLY SIGNS OF DEMENTIA?

I spent three months nursing my 82-pound mother back to relative health, while my father said he loved me one minute, but then get furious over some trivial thing, call me nasty names and throw me out of the house the next. I was stunned to see him get so upset, even running the washing machine could cause a tizzy, and there was no way to reason with him. It was so heart wrenching to have my once-adoring father turn against me.

I immediately took my father to his doctor and was flabbergasted that he could act normal when he needed to! I could not believe it when the doctor looked at me as if I was the crazy one. She didn’t even take me seriously when I reported that my father nearly electrocuted my mother, but luckily I walked in three seconds before he plugged in a huge power strip that was soaking in a tub of water—along with my mother’s feet! Much later I was furious to find out my father had instructed his doctor (and everyone) not to listen to anything I said, because I was just a (bleep-bleep) liar and all I wanted was his money! (I wish he had some.)

Then things got serious. My father never laid a hand on me my whole life, but one day nearly choked me to death for adding HBO to his television, even though he had eagerly consented to it a few days before. Terrified, I dialed 911 and the police took him to the hospital for evaluation. I was so shocked when they released him right away, saying they couldn't find anything wrong with him. What is even more astonishing is that similar incidents occurred three more times.

CAREGIVER CATCH 22

I was trapped. I couldn't fly home and leave my mother alone with my father—she'd surely die from his inability to care for her. I couldn't get healthcare professionals to believe me—my father was always so sane in front of them. I couldn't get medication to calm him and even when I finally did—he refused to take it, threw it in my face, or flushed it down the toilet. I couldn't get him to accept a caregiver and even when I did—no one would put up with him very long. I couldn't place my mother in a nursing home—he'd take her out. I couldn't put him in a home—he didn't qualify. They both refused Assisted Living—legally I couldn't force them. I became a prisoner in my parents' home for nearly a year trying to solve crisis after crisis, crying rivers daily, and infuriated with an unsympathetic medical system that wasn't helping me appropriately.

GERIATRIC DEMENTIA SPECIALIST MAKES DIAGNOSIS

You don't need a doctorate degree to know something is wrong, but you do need the right doctor who can diagnose and treat dementia properly. Finally, I stumbled upon a neurologist specialized in dementia, and under threat of living out his days at “Shady Pines” my father finally consented to go. The doctor performed a battery of blood, neurological, memory tests, and CT/P.E.T. scans. He reviewed my parents’ medications and ruled out reversible dementias such as a B12 or thyroid deficiency. And then, you should have seen my face drop when he diagnosed Stage One Alzheimer's in both of my parents—something all their other doctors missed entirely.

TRAPPED IN OLD HABITS

What I'd been coping with was the beginning of Alzheimer’s (just one type of dementia), which begins intermittently and appears to come and go. I didn't understand that my father was addicted and trapped in his own bad behavior of a lifetime and his habit of yelling to get his way was coming out over things that were illogical... at times. I also didn't understand that demented does not mean dumb (a concept not widely appreciated) and that he was still socially adjusted never to show his "Hyde" side to anyone outside the family. Even with the onset of dementia, it was amazing he could still be so manipulative and crafty. On the other hand, my mother was sweet and lovely as she’d always been.

BALANCING BRAIN CHEMISTRY

I learned that Alzheimer's makes up 60-65% of all dementias and there's no stopping the progression nor is there a cure. However, if identified early there are medications that in most people can mask/slow the symptoms of the disease, keeping a person in the early independent stage longer, delaying full-time supervision and nursing home care. (Ask a Dementia Specialist about: Aricept, Exelon, Razadyne and Namenda.)

After the neurologist treated the dementia and the depression (often present with dementia) in both parents, he prescribed a small dose of anti-aggression medication for my father, which helped smooth is his temper without making him sleep all day. (How I wish we’d had that fifty years ago.) It wasn’t easy to get the dosages right and not perfect, but at least we didn’t need any more police intervention! Once my parents’ brain chemistries were better balanced, I was able to optimize nutrition, fluid intake, and all their medications with much less resistance.

CREATIVE BEHAVIORAL TECHNIQUES

With balanced brain chemistry, I was also finally able to implement techniques to cope with the bizarre behaviors. Instead of logic and reason—I used distraction, redirection and reminiscence. Instead of arguing the facts—I agreed, validated frustrated feelings and lived in their realities. I learned to just “go with the flow” and let nasty comments roll off. And if none of that worked, the bribe of ice cream worked the best to get my father in the shower, even as he swore a blue streak at me he’d just taken one yesterday (over a week ago)!

Then finally, I was able to get my father to accept a caregiver (he’d only alienated 40 that year—most only there for about ten minutes), and with the benefit of Adult Day Care five days a week for them and a support group for me, everything started to fall into place. It was so wonderful to hear my father say once again, “We love you so much, sweetheart.”

ALZHEIMER’S / DEMENTIA OFTEN OVERLOOKED

What is so shocking is that no one ever discussed the possibility of dementia with me that first year. I was told my parents’ “senior moments” and odd behaviors were just old age and a “normal part of aging”. Since one out of eight by age 65, and nearly half by age 85, get Alzheimer’s—I should have been alerted. Had I simply been shown the "Ten Warning Signs of Alzheimer's", I would have realized what was happening and gotten my parents the help they desperately needed. If any of this rings true for you or someone you love, I urge you to seek a Dementia Specialist—immediately!

TEN WARNING SIGNS OF ALZHEIMER'S

(Reprinted with permission of the Alzheimer’s Association)
1. Memory loss
2. Difficulty performing familiar tasks
3. Problems with language
4. Disorientation of time and place
5. Poor or decreased judgment
6. Problems with abstract thinking
7. Misplacing things
8. Changes in mood or behavior
9. Changes in personality
10. Loss of initiative

Expanded Descriptions: www.ElderRage.com/Alzheimers.asp

###

Jacqueline Marcell is a former television executive whose caregiving experience resulted in “Elder Rage”, a Book-of-the-Month Club selection receiving 264 five-star Amazon reviews and being considered for a feature film. The Addendum by a renowned dementia specialist makes it also valuable for healthcare professionals/doctors and required text at numerous universities for courses in geriatric assessment and management. Over fifty endorsements include Hugh Downs, Regis Philbin, John Hopkins Memory Clinic, and the National Adult Day Services Association who bestowed their Media Award. Jacqueline also received “Advocate of the Year” from the National Association of Women Business Owners at their Remarkable Women Awards. She also hosts the “Coping with Caregiving” radio program at www.wsRadio.com/CopingWithCaregiving; writes for AgingCare.com and ThirdAge.com; and is an international speaker including to the National Security Agency and Florida House of Representatives. Jacqueline is also a breast cancer survivor who advocates that everyone (especially caregivers) closely monitor their own health.

www.ElderRage.com

Dementia Behaviour Management Advisory Service free from Alzheimer’s Australia (Qld)

2009-05-14T19:12:00.003+10:00

Attention Queensland carers,

The Dementia Behaviour Management Advisory Service (DBMAS), administered in Queensland by Alzheimer’s Australia (Qld), provides free support for people caring for someone with dementia whose behaviour is having an impact on their care.

The service works directly with family carers, clinicians, community care organisations and those working in aged care facilities to help them better understand and care for people with dementia.

The DBMAS clinically-trained team assesses individual cases where there are challenging behaviours associated with dementia to develop strategies and plans to meet the specific needs of each client.

Queensland carers can contact DBMAS on 1800 699 799 at any time of the day or night. Qualifying situations will be assessed free of charge and appropriate referrals to other support services can also be made.

For more information email: info@alzqld.asn.au

or visit

http://www.alzheimers.org.au/content.cfm?infopageid=5365&CFID=818991&CFTOKEN=30041511

CURRENT DDN NEWS ROOM ARTICLES

2009-01-26T15:58:00.002+11:00

New Dementia News Service: Publish Your News On the Web
(15 January 2009)

Seminar: What Every Family Should Know About Long Term Care & Dementia - VA, USA
(15 January 2009)

Lewy Body Dementia: Share Your Opinion
(21 January 2009)

ALZHEIMER’S FORUM: Your magazine on the web
(22 January 2009)

Diagnosed with Dementia in Indonesia - What Life is Like
(24 January 2009)

Parkinson's Support: Dance Classes and More
(24 January 2009)

Book Release: I’M STILL HERE by John Zeisel Ph.D.
(24 January 2009)

Relevant Links:
United States
Canada
United Kingdom
Australia

Barry's World: Writing from the Sufferer's Perspective
(26 January 2009)

Barry's World: Writing from the Sufferer's Perspective

2009-01-26T14:24:00.011+11:00

I am writing from the sufferer’s perspective of how the illness affects me, like at this very moment as I’m trying to type this it’s a public holiday here and the local children are going crazy laughing and shouting as they run in and out of our garden, my wife, mother-in-law and neighbours have also gathered in the garden and all seem to be talking at the same time as loudly as possible so they can be overheard by one and all, our next door neighbour has decided his motor bike needs some repair and is revving up the bike at full throttle, at the same time the teenagers in our house are all talking excitedly and laughing as there hand phones all start playing different ring tones, to say that my mind is in total turmoil at this time would be an understatement but such are the affects of excessive noises on the already confused mind, the problem being that the confused mind cant take all the different distractions to the brain at the same time.

Even so I still manage to laugh at myself and all the stupid mistakes I make when typing as even with my illness and as serious a condition as it is I’m a strong believer in that as sufferers we should still laugh at ourselves and our forgetfulness and try to turn such things into a quip as I did the other day when my wife found me searching the house she asked what was I looking for, I said I cant find my newspaper, we searched high and low but still could not find it, later that day my wife went to the fridge and laughingly asked ‘why is the newspaper in the fridge’ I quickly replied ‘to many hot issues in the paper so I put it in there to cool down’ yes we must still laugh at ourselves as it makes the days a lot easier to deal with.

Now here are two amusing little bits of nonsense from my confused brain but in some way relate to the reality of our illness!

'DEMENTIA SURPRISE'
As a past Globe trotting Master Baker and Confectioner I had recipes in my brain to meet every occasion and I don’t see why Dementia should be left of the list so here is my WORLD renowned recipe that I formulated.

Measurements............. Ingredients
• 150grm...............Not interested in anything anymore
• 100grm.............. Wandering totally lost
• 100grm..............Absolute forgetfulness
• 150grm..............Disorientation
• 1 teaspoon........Where and what am I doing
• Pinch..................Depression to taste
• Few drops..........Shed a tear

Method:
1. Put into a large mixing bowl/container, Mix together until completely Agitated, Confused, and going in Circles.
2. Put in cake tin and bake in the oven ‘not the fridge’ for 30 minutes but don’t forget the time.
3. Once stressed out has cooled! Decorate with lashings of family love and affection, and then top off with lasting memories of past life.

‘TO LET'
I’ve just been reading an English newspaper about the depression in the property market when this advert came to mind!
The following has just come on the market for immediate occupancy:
• “Cranium Cottage” set in a gorgeous location with vast open spaces within the area of Dementia Estate
• This highly desirable space has become vacant as the present owner can’t remember what it was used for,
• There are stunning panoramic views still to be had through cloudy eyes,
• The ‘NOW’ empty space has been with the same owner since birth,
• Internally having always been kept in good order and constant use, but now confused and in need of some renovation,
• Externally the outer shell is still in very good condition apart from some normal wear and tear,
• A light fair thatching although its now starting to thin with time,
• The space is offered empty with immediate vacant possession,
• No planning permission needed, its ready to move into,
• The said space is “RENT FREE” for the rest of life,
• Don’t miss this ONCE in a life time opportunity of a prime empty location,
• An early new occupancy is very highly desired,
• Contact now via E-A Brain: forgetfulness@WhatAmI.Doing.cells

Barry from Indonesia

Parkinson's Support: Dance Classes & More

2009-01-24T19:14:00.030+11:00

...Just this past week I posted a video (see left) on the Daily Dementia News page regarding a dance class for people with Parkinson's disease. Yesterday I received an email from a friend (the dementia she has been 'touched by' was her mother's Lewy Bodies dementia) who is involved with a support group and it turned out that one of the members from her support group is also part of the same group that was participating in the dance class featured on the news page. Surprised by the coincidence she sent me her notes from her support group with a couple of links & notes that she thought may interest some of the readers of Daily Dementia News.

Dance Classses Available in Waltham, MA:
Related Articles

Dance Lifts Bodies and Souls for Parkinson's Patients

Just the right moves: Dance aids those with Parkinson's

Jewish Family & Children's Service - Parkinson's Suport

Apparently these classes are "HIGHLY, HIGHLY recommended!!" and are the SAME classes that were started in Brooklyn, NY by a PD local support group & Mark Morris Dance Group.

Parkinson's sufferers get their groove back through dance

There is also an upcoming lecture regarding these dance classes on March 7th - Dance and Parkinson's disease: research, practice, and patient experience (Naomi Goodman, MPH and Nancy Mazonson, MS).
Information: 617-667-9903
Appointments: 617-667-0519

Similar dance classes are also held in other areas of Massachusetts

Western Massachusetts/ eastern New York State - Richmond

New York City - Brooklyn

New York City - Manhattan

Cape Cod, MA

Southern New England - Weymouth

For more information on these classes and who you can contact, click here.

Here also are some videos on the topic of Parkinson's Disease and dance:

---------------------------------Ed Rudman Story----------------------------------Dancing helps PD Patients

----------

And lastly some further information on the topic:

Motivating Moves

Motivating Moves for People with Parkinson’s is an approach to exercise that emphasizes coordination, balance, flexibility, postural alignment, diaphragmatic breathing, spatial awareness and dynamic movement range.

Motivating Moves teaches you how to improve your strength and reduce your risk of injury. Exercises in Motivating Moves require coordinating movements of the upper and lower body and right and left sides. The movements are varied in tempo, spatial direction, dynamic qualities, complexity of phrasing, and according to which body parts are most active. This variation is intentional; it provides recuperation.

Musicophilia
From the author of the book that led to the movie "Awakenings" and the author of "Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat".

Oliver sacks: Music Therapy and Parkinson's

Relevant book links:

Musicophilia: Tales of Music and the Brain, Revised and Expanded Edition

Where You Can Get It:
United States
Canada
United Kingdom
Australia

The Man Who Mistook His Wife For A Hat:

Where You Can Get It
United States
Canada
United Kingdom
Australia

Thanks, Victoria...

Diagnosed with Dementia in Indonesia: What LIFE is Like

2009-01-24T19:05:00.000+11:00

Hello to my fellow sufferers and care givers of Alzheimer’s / Dementia around the world.

Please let me first introduce myself, my name is Barry, I am a British subject and have now been living in Indonesia with my Indonesian wife for the past 16 years, prior to moving to Indonesia I had been working, living, and traveling around all the countries within the Middle East and Asia which helped me gain a greater understanding of the different Customs, Cultures, and Traditions of the people within the region, in fact I have not lived in my home country for over 26 years.

Four years ago I was diagnosed as having Mixed Dementia with Alzheimer’s which completely turned my world up side down as all of a sudden not only did I have to fight against the illness I also had to fight against the fears, misconceptions, and stigma from people around me as I live in a small traditional farming village and apart from my doctor neurologist there is no understanding of dementia here at all, at first even my wife, stepdaughter, and her family had many problems trying to understand and come to terms with my illness.

Although I have lived here for many years, the differences in cultures, customs, and traditions started to become more difficult and confusing for me as I was continuously being told my illness is a curse or black magic put upon me and at one point my wife even had spiritual men come to our house to have the so called devil cast out of me! Such are the superstitions in this part of the world.

There is an Alzheimer’s society in Indonesia but its focus seems to be on 2 major Cities and doesn’t reach to where I live in the provinces so it became necessary for me to do things and motivate myself of my own back as I don’t have the benefit of any support groups or day centers for either myself or my wife I’m in a completely go it alone situation, so I made contact with the Alzheimer’s Forum in the UK via there website which was a turning point for me as I had people I could correspond with that had a positive understanding of Alzheimer’s / dementia.

Since then I haven’t looked back and have become a regular contributor of articles to the Alzheimer’s Forum website, the website is somewhat unique as its “Produced by and for sufferers of dementia” and a place where sufferers can freely express there own feelings, thoughts, and apprehensions of our illness to share with people around the world who are in a similar situation, I myself use the website as a means of trying to set aside peoples misconceptions of the condition and in broadening awareness of the illness particularly in the Far East countries.

At this time I am trying to make people here aware of Alzheimer’s / dementia and the fact that it’s an illness of body and mind and not a mythical curse or a deadly infectious disease whereby friends and other people run away from us in fright.

My own approach here in Indonesia is what I call a ‘Bottom up approach’ by talking to young medical and other university students and to young parents as they have access and know how to use computers either at home or via a internet café and thus gain a better understanding of the illness and thereby educate others and broaden the awareness of dementia for future generations.

Such is my story at this time

Barry

Book Release: I'M STILL HERE by John Zeisel, Ph.D.

2009-01-24T18:37:00.010+11:00

I am writing to let you know about an important book released just last week – I’M STILL HERE by John Zeisel, Ph.D..

Alzheimer’s disease cannot be cured, but it can be treated. People with Alzheimer’s can live a long and fruitful life but the approach to treatment of the disease and the patient must be reexamined and reevaluated. In I’m Still Here, Dr. John Zeisel explores the Alzheimer’s mind and how those who care for it can understand its intricacies.

For the last 15 years, John Zeisel, PhD, has spearheaded a movement that pushes a radical new Alzheimer’s treatment—embracing it. Following his success at creating care centers focused on acknowledging the challenges faced by the Alzheimer brain, Zeisel developed a unique treatment philosophy based on the emotional self. Through specific features, he emphasized the senses and stimulated the altering Alzheimer’s brain. These included:

· Walking paths
· Different areas with distinct furniture and appearances
· Shared spaces to promote communication amongst residents
· Gardens to inspire and increase a feeling of freedom

I’m Still Here (and its underlying approach) acknowledges that the Alzheimer’s mind is a working, thriving, and creative mind. By understanding that the Alzheimer’s brain can still learn and process information, caregivers can react with a person with Alzheimer’s as a functioning being. Zeisel stresses a course of action based on nonpharmacological treatments that can emphasize how parts of the brain function differently.

Over 5 million American’s are living with Alzheimer’s. But that does not mean they are not functioning. I’m Still Here is an antidote to the fear-mongering that is typically related to Alzheimer’s. This disease may not be curable but it is treatable.

“I’m Still Here is a startling, uncompromising, and deeply compassionate look at how we care for people living with Alzheimer’s. It overflows with inside, practical advice, inspiration, and hope.”
– David Hyde Pierce, actor and Alzheimer’s advocate

ALZHEIMER'S FORUM: Your magazine on the web

2009-01-22T17:51:00.005+11:00

“Bringing world cultures together for a global understanding of dementia”

.............................

Alzheimer’s Forum is part of the Alzheimer’s society England and a unique website being produced by and for sufferers of Alzheimer’s / Dementia and their families and carers worldwide.

The website has a vast array of articles, predicaments, poems, word puzzles to stimulate your mind and much more all contributed to the website by fellow sufferers, it displays peoples innermost feelings within this debilitating illness.

Listen to poems recited by the author who himself has Alzheimer’s, download our Alzheimer’s Forum 2009 Calendars one of which is a computer desktop background screen saver giving you a monthly calendar right in front of your eyes each time you use the computer, also download our book of poems ‘Poetic Thoughts’ sent in by sufferers and family members.

..........................

Has anyone in your family got Alzheimer’s or any type of Dementia?
Do they feel alone in their world?

...................................

Then please help us to put aside people’s fears, misconceptions and the stigmas that can be associated with this illness by sending us your own articles, stories, and poems for our website for the entire world to see.

Tell us how you cope with other people’s perceptions of your illness and what affect it has on you and your family, to learn more look at our website.

Website: http://www.alzheimersforum.org/
E-mail: friends@alzheimersforum.org

..........................

You’re never alone with Alzheimer’s Forum and Friends
No matter where you live in the world

............................

Barry Pankhurst: a sufferer of mixed dementia with Alzheimer’s

Save the Daily Dementia News Site!!

2009-01-21T23:38:00.007+11:00

It is thought that at least 200,000 Australians have a dementia causing condition, approximately 5,000,000 people in the United States are thought to have Alzheimer’s disease, another 700,000 are thought to have dementia in the United Kingdom and 500,000 Canadians are also thought to have either Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia causing condition.

Say each person with dementia has two people who love them (that’s an underestimation) and we have (6,400,000 x 3) approximately 18 million people in the Western world alone directly affected by these diseases.

Yet here at Daily Dementia News we average currently about 60 readers a day, despite people from over 50 countries visiting….??!

It takes me about four hours a day (after I finish my full time job), to search out dementia related news articles, and from the comments I receive it is greatly appreciated by those that have found the site. Unfortunately, the way the World Wide Web works, means it is not easy for people to find my site, unless they type in the perfect key words into a search engine or are a member of one of the Yahoo groups I am also a member of.

My friends and family think I am crazy for doing this website, they tell me I should give it up and that obviously from my visitor numbers nobody really wants a page like mine.

I, as a person ‘Touched By Dementia’ myself think a site like my own is really good for people who are faced with the challenges dementia brings, I wouldn’t be doing this otherwise, but maybe I am wrong ? All I know is, is that I want to provide a site that conglomerates all the dementia news on the web onto one page, so it is easy to access for anyone struggling with dementia, to save people time, decrease the feeling of isolation these diseases can bring and increase awareness.

So here’s where I need your help. If you think this site is worthwhile spread the word.

If you are a member of a dementia support group, if you know people with dementia related websites, if you regularly speak to people involved in dementia care, TELL them about DDN!!

If you have a website of your own, please consider linking to the DDN page.

If you know someone with a website of their own, suggest that they link to the DDN page.

Tell the dementia relevant associations and societies that you are involved with about the site, tell them you think the site is worthwhile.

Even do what a friend of mine did, and stick up a poster about the website in your local medical centre or nursing home.

Do anything you think might help increase the site’s visibility, so that I can justify to friends and family what I am doing.

I personally think that helping 60 people a day is worthwhile, but if I could really make this site visible then I could really be proud of what I have achieved.

I appreciate your consideration of my plea.

Regards,

N.S.

Lewy Body Dementia: Share your opinion and make a difference!

2009-01-21T18:31:00.007+11:00

The Lewy Body Dementia Association’s newest publication, An Introduction to Lewy Body Dementia, is already in high demand by LBD families, physicians and aging resources.

If you’ve already read this booklet, we would appreciate your participation in a short online survey at: www.lbda.org/go/bookletsurvey.
Your feedback will help LBDA better understand and meet the needs of LBD families.

For those of you who are not familiar with it yet, An Introduction to Lewy Body Dementia is written especially for those newly diagnosed with Lewy body dementia and others still seeking answers. The booklet also includes a detachable medical alert card which refers to a companion webpage for ER physicians. You can view booklet online in English and Spanish by clicking here.

If you would like to receive a hardcopy of the booklet, please visit your local Area Agency on Aging or click here to learn how to request your copy of the booklet or wallet card by mail.

Most Sincerely,

The LBDA Team

What Every Family Should Know About Long Term Care & Dementia

2009-01-15T02:31:00.011+11:00

Danville, VA - Seminar, Open to the Public, February 26, 2009 at 5.30p.m. at the Institute Conference Center, 150 Slayton Ave, Danville.

Diagnosing Dementia in Seniors - And Decision Making Capacity
Presentation by board certified geriatrician Dr. Gary Obelender.

The Seven Deadly Sins of Nursing Homes - Common patient errors and what you can do to prevent them
Presentating by the Frith Law Firm, discussing common medical errors in nursing homes, as well as how family involvement can help prevent mistakes.

What every family should know before placing a loved one in a nursing home.
Presentating by the Frith Law Firm, discussing common medical errors in nursing homes, as well as how family involvement can help prevent mistakes.

The event is free, and open to the public. Refreshments will be served. To reserve your seat, please call Frith Law Firm by February 20, 2009 - at 540-985-0098 or email, lellerman@frithlaw.com.

For Virginia attorneys, 1.5 hours of CLE Credit has been applied for. To receive CLE credit, a fee of $20 will be collected at the door.

Sponsored by Gary Oberlender, MD and The Frith Law Firm.

www.seniorevaluations.com

http://www.frithlawfirm.com/

New Dementia News Service: Publish Your News On the Web

2009-01-11T16:38:00.006+11:00

DDN NewsRoom: The Daily Dementia News website is now providing a free service. If you or your organisation would like to let people in your area know of upcoming events, or if you would like to tell the world about your achievements or about a special person in your community, you can now do so at no cost whatsoever.

All you have to do is type up the news story you want published, add a photo to be included with the article if you want some colour, and then email the information to Daily Dementia News at admin@dementia-news.com and tell us when you would like the story to be published. This news article you are now viewing is an example of what the story will look like.

But how will people find your news article? If they are regular readers of Daily Dementia News they will be able to find the headline and associated link on the news page, but we can also provide you with a direct link to your news article if you would like to send it out via a group email.

Naturally, this service is only available to organisations relevant to dementia causing conditions or people with a dementia causing condition themselves and their families and carers. We hope that by providing this service we can help increase awareness of dementia causing conditions and the resources available to people faced with the challenges such illnesses bring. So if you don't think you are likely to have news story of your own, but you know of local organisations that may find this service useful, why not let them know about it?