Living condition of AD patients in New Zealand

From a talk with Tracie from Alzheimer’s Society in Dunedin, I’ve got the basic pattern of changes in living condition of AD patients here. Generally, patients keep stay alone or with sponsors at early stage, and relatives and friends visit them regularly. For middle stage patients, they need carers nearby, so that they move to children’s home, or seek help from community nurses. They can keep live at their individual homes until they need 24hr caring- then move into nursing homes or special wards in hospital.

The audio below is part of the interview.

Dealing with memory loss

Part of interview with Tracie from Alzheimer’s Society in Dunedin, New Zealand.
We talked about how do AD patients in New Zealand deal with memory loss, the main symptom of Alzheimer’s disease. Using memory aids is the most effective way for patients in early stage.

William Utermohlen: Understanding of Alzheimer’s

Source: New York Times

Artist William Utermohlen spent the last decade of his life creating a series of self-protraits that followed his descent into dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease. It was, according to his wife, his way of understanding the disease.

His painting have been touring the world, with exhibitions around Europe and the United States. Now the exhibition ‘Inside Alzheimer’s: Portraits of the Mind” will be on display in Sacramento, California. The 19 piece show will be displayed at the Art Foundry Gallery at 10th and R Streets starting February 6th 2008. Reproductions of some of the pieces will also be on display at the entraance to the Governor’s Office at the State Capital.

The exhibition has been sponsored by Aging Services of California, the advocate for nonprofit senior living and care in the state.

For more information about William Utermohlen, click the link to Galerie Beckel-Odille-Boïcos

Smart Care System For People With Alzheimer’s

When the pill box is opened, the computer got a message from the sensor on the box.When a patient is on high risk of falls, an alert pop up on the carer’s screen.

Alzheimer’s patients have problem with memory. Wireless technology monitors the patients 24/7, allowing scientists to see when the patients take the medicine, or whether they are having high risks.

To see the video click the images above or click http://www.healthcentral.com/video/408/2501.htm

Therapy Pets

The dogs’ visits provided a sensory experience for patients and helped them recall memories, especially if they had owned pets themselves.

Studies show that animals offer many healing benefits to people. They lower blood pressure, increase confidence and self-esteem.

In these years, specially trained dogs and cats are accepted by hospitals, nursing homes, and other health-care facilities in the US. Their visits can be especially beneficial, particularly for the AD patients. They can increase physical motivation, spark memories, encourage speech, and enhance reality orientation.

Not any dog can become a therapy pet. Therapy pets need temperament and obedience. Rigorous training is necessary to make sure the people-pet pair can work will together.In the Princess Margaret Hospital in CHCH, a pet therapy trial is running for AD patients.

Photo: DAVID HALLET/The Press-Trial: Princess Margaret Hospital in Christchurch is running a pet therapy trial for its Alzheimer’s patients. Fay King-Turner enjoys the dog visits.

Source: http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/nelsonmail/4405885a6417.html

BBC: Music therapy ‘helps dementia’

Thursday, 16 November, 2000, 11:09 GMT

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/1026153.stm

Scientists in London are carrying out a study to see if music therapy could be introduced on the NHS to help dementia patients.
Initial trials have shown that old people who suffer from dementia benefit from music therapy.

Famous People of Alzheimer’s Disease

It’s incredible that so many famous people get this disease. They are actors, actress, director, writer, sportsperson etc. I used to believe that keeping the brain active-by socializing or working-could prevent dementia. But now it seems not the key.

Alzheimer’s Disease Photo Essay–Mary Amor

Here is a Photo Essay made by Mary Amor.