Dementia - portrait of an epidemic

Todd Niall reports (3 minutes 25 seconds)      (Photo courtesy of Terry Winn)
 

An illuminating and sobering report from Alzheimers New Zealand and the Ministry of Health shows there are already more than 40,000 New Zealanders affected by dementia, and that number is growing.  This will have a significant economic and social impact for us all.  

Read the executive summary of the report from the Alzheimer's New Zealand website.  Read the full report (96 pages).

Advice from a geriatric specialist (13 minutes 24 seconds)
Maree Todd has more than 20 years' experience as a geriatrician, a specialist in the care of the elderly.  In this interview she talks to Todd about some of the tough decisions facing those who care for elderly loved ones, such as when to call for help and, even tougher, when not to call for help.

Extended interview (23 minutes 40 seconds)
Listen to a longer version of Maree Todd's interview.
 

Margie Wheeler reports (2 minutes 22 seconds)

Whether you are caring for someone with dementia or are affected by it yourself, support is available from Alzheimers New Zealand.  The organisation offers information, advice, education, and support via its website, by phone, or in person.

 

Portrait of an Epidemic: book review
(6 minutes)

There are plenty of books devoted to dementia and Alzheimer's.  The best ones help us understand what is happening to people who are affected by this sometimes bewildering disease ... as Pip found when she went looking for insights to help her understand what was happening to her father. 

David Shenk's book The Forgetting: Alzheimer's: Portrait of an Epidemic not only lent us the title for this Family Care Radio show, but also helped Pip understand that some good can come from the disease.

Top Twenty Books (word document)

Family Care Radio, with the help of Alzheimers New Zealand, has put together a list of the top books that carers and people affected by dementia using the organisation's libraries have found most useful. 
You can contact Alzheimers New Zealand for general enquiries on (0800) 004 001, or call the national office on
(04) 381 2362.   Or, go direct to the organisation's website using the link above.
 

Brigid Magner (13 minutes 43 seconds)

Brigid Magner's father, well known New Zealand writer Maurice Shadbolt, died after a long battle with dementia in 2004.  Her mother, former television presenter Barbara Magner, is now also affected by the disease.  Brigid, who lives in Melbourne, talks to Todd and reflects on her family's experiences.
 

Eileen and Ray Smith: coping with early onset Alzheimer's (17 minutes 57 seconds)
 

Ray and Eileen Smith realised when Ray was only 53 that he might have Alzheimer's.  Ten years later, Eileen talks to Margie about how Ray's diagnosis was communicated to them, how they coped with the progression of this aggressive form of the disease,  and about what life is like for Eileen now.

Five key points for carers - extended item - website only (3 minutes 53 seconds)
 

We asked Eileen if she had any advice for others who are facing the kind of challenges she and Ray did with early onset Alzheimer's.  Here she outlines five key decision points that may assist other carers.

The Chelsea Club (11 minutes 25 seconds)

Janet Davidson and her small team of especially trained carers run the Chelsea Club - a social club for people affected by dementia.  Pip paid a visit to the club and found a warm caring atmosphere where, once a week, members enjoy a stimulating day while giving their carers some much needed respite.  Pip spoke to Janet about the club.
 

Chelsea Club extended interview (24 minutes)

Hear a longer version of Janet's interview which includes a description of what happens during a typical day at the Chelsea Club.

Video story (5 minutes 25 seconds)

Step into the world of the Chelsea Club and experience it for yourself, by watching our video story, created especially for Family Care Radio.
 

Issues worth fighting for   (3 minutes 49 seconds)

Because of the signficant impact of dementia on individuals and the economy, Alzheimers New Zealand is lobbying the government for better recognition of dementia as a national issue.  In this final feature of our show, we look at some of the key issues.

 

(9 minutes 11 seconds)

When you're focusing all your energies on caring for someone else, it can be tempting to rush through housework and home maintenance chores as quickly as possible.  Often, that means you're not as careful as you could be.  In the latest ActiveWellness with ACC feature, Jessica McDonald talks about why it's important to keep yourself safe while managing some of life's fundamental chores.

                                     

Managing Continence
(4 minutes)

Sonja Karon is a continence advisor with the Auckland District Health Board.  In this last in our series of continence features, she talks about managing leaks, managing life with catheters, and the importance of keeping your sense of humour!

 

 

Meditation with Anna Filliol

Healing
(5 minutes)

This simple and powerful meditation involves a visualisation technique using healing light to enhance our general well-being.  Push 'play' and enjoy your well-deserved five minutes of time out!

 

 

Hear about the new government's plans for the Carers' Strategy, including 
an information pack for family carers.  We talk to Grant Hamilton, a young Wellington man who is raising funds in the 2010 Ironman competition for Carers NZ, and to wellbeing advisor Wayne Halkyard about exercising after an injury.  As usual, there will be our usual array of five minute features, which include the latest Anna Filliol meditation, and guidance from the Pharmacy Guild on managing medications. 

You can read more from Brigid Magner in the Winter 2009 issue of Family Care magazine. This publication often incudes information about Alzheimer's and dementia.  Request your free subscription by phoning (0800) 777 797 or email sara@carers.net.nz.  Older Family Care, previously a standalone publication, will be a special section in every issue of Family Care from September 2009.