POLEPOLE July, 2012

-Here is brief summary of issues dealt with in the AAJ Newsletter of July 2012 –

1. NEWS AND INFORMATION

“Any kind of physical activity lowers Alzheimer’s risk” (USA TODAY 19^th April 2012)

“Dementia Care; Your Stories” (BBC 18^th May 2012)

2. AAJ headquarters update

*AAJ held its national general meeting on 2^nd June in Kyoto.

169 board members discussed the action plan of AAJ for this year. In addition, more than 100 members and executives of the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare and local government sat in on the meeting. The two courses of action were resolved, which are the continuous support for the disaster area of the East Japan Earth quake and the intensification of AAJ’s network.

3.Professional’s comment

By Dr. K. Aida

“End of life care for people with dementia “

Medical care for people with dementia should be considered which respects the dignity and the life situation of the each person.

4. the thought and feeling of Family carers for percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy

* My sister had been suffering from dysphagia and had a gastrostomy. She recovered from under nutrition to enjoy her life much more than before.

*I decided to have my mother undergo a gastrostomy after careful consideration. But I am very tired of taking care of her for the long term.

* Although our family has decided not to have our mother undergo a gastrostomy, we are still wavering as she is suffering a difficulty of swallowing.

5. Letters from Members

* My husband was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s four years ago and started medication. He is still in good health without the growth of the disease. I did not speak out about his disease to guard against discrimination. I think it was a good choice. (67-year-old wife)

* My husband has been suffering from dementia and diabetes. He does not follow any course of treatment and eats lots of cookies and fruits. I am at the limit of my patience. I need someone to give me advice. (70-year-old wife)

6. Care experience

By A. Sakai, A family carer

“Respite care saves my life”

7. Two heads are better than one

Question

“My husband was diagnosed with younger onset dementia recently. He spends time idly

and mumbles to himself all day long. It is tough for me to see him. I am very anxious

about our future. What should I do?”

8. Activities of the Chapters From the north to the south

* Yamagata Branch: The members sing songs together at every monthly meeting and are refreshed.

*Niigata Branch: They keep a blog which can be accessed by cellular phone or computer. It provides information for the family carers.

*Shiga Branch: The members set up a booth for counseling of dementia care at the nurse’s day event.