Hello and thank you to everyone who has responded to my story on the ABC 7.30 Report last night.
For those of you diagnosed with dementia, I am so very sorry to hear of your diagnosis. I would strongly suggest you contact the Alzheimer’s Australia office in your state, http://www.fightdementia.org.au/default.aspx.
My suggestions are to follow the advice they (and your doctors) will give you; their website has a section on how to manage things and they run courses on living with memory loss for people with dementia as well as their family carers and friends, as well as many other activities specific to supporting people with dementia. Engage with as many activities as you can, including higher education of some kind e.g. TAFE, University, learning a musical instrument or another language – it doesn’t matter that you may not be able to remember it all, just that you are stretching the brain, working on your neuroplasticity. I would also highly recommend exercise, especially running if you are up to it, and writing or some other creative outlet that works as therapy for you to express your journey are . Finally, for me, treating each new symptom as a disability, rather than a step closer to my demise, has enabled me to find ways to develop strategies for overcoming or coping with them.
Thank you also to those who have offered advice regarding supplements and nutrition, and new friendships. I apologise I won’t be able to respond individually to everyone , but please know that your thoughts and words are appreciated.
Having people read my blog and share my journey is both rewarding and encouraging. xxx
ps. if you missed it http://www.abc.net.au/7.30/content/2011/s3339222.htm
The WA Institute of Advanced Studies at the Univerity of WA organises visiting speakers throughout the year. So some months ago I ear marked the following, which was yesterday evening. Knowing I was to attend the meeting last night the topic was in the back of my mind, so hence, hearing you on TV alerted me. What a brave women you are!
Why does Alzheimer’s disease matter and what are we doing about it?
Speaker: David Ames, Director of the National Ageing Research Institute
Two links below.
He was a very entertaining and knowlegdible speaker. Very well attended. He spoke about the research being done around the world but particularly in Australia. The Link to AIBL was particularly interesting. It is a joint research project the two major centres being Melbourne and Perth, but also several other Universities in SA and Qld were mentioned. They have a large programme of monitoring dementia patients (1000+), and are currently seeking more people who have been diagnosed with dementia or memory issues. I thought the latter was worth your while promulgating, and if not already, getting involved yourself.
Personally, I haven’t been diagnosed but have a family history, so am interested. I exercise a lot and endeavour to keep my mind active.
Best wishes
Paul
http://www.mednwh.unimelb.edu.au/people/Profiles/David_Ames.htm
and
http://www.aibl.csiro.au/partners.html
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Thanks Paul. 🙂
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