1. NEWS AND INFORMATION

The ministry of Health and Welfare of Korea announced the establishment of a “Day of Overcoming Dementia.” The specific plans are directed towards medical aids, such as an increase of early diagnosis and early treatment, special training for medical professionals, and raising a hundred thousand supporters for PWDs nationwide, etc.

2. AAJ HEADQUARTERS UPDATE

The annual board meeting was held in Nara on October 18th with two hundred participants from 44 chapters all over Japan. The meeting evaluated the outcome of various AAJ activities for the reform of the

policy for dementia care and confirmed the pursuit of social action.

3.PROFESSIONAL’S COMMENT

PROF. M.TSUDOME

The number of male carers has been increasing recently in Japan. In 1977, 37% of carers were the wives of sons, 25% were wives, and 8% were husbands and sons. But in 2004, 25% were male family carers and has been increasing.

Generally, there are three types of male carers: confused, absorbed and positive for a new role.

I am preparing to organize an association of male carers to realize the social inclusion of people in need of care and their carers.

4. LETTERS FROM MEMBERS

< Too much burden on professional caregivers at nursing care facilities>

My mother is living in an authorized group-home for the elderly. But there are too few caregivers to take care of the elderly with dementia because all of them are need individual care. I and my sister go to the group-home and help caregivers twice a week according to their request.

(57-year-old man)

< Lack of special care service for the younger dementia>

My husband is suffering from younger dementia and his condition is getting more serious. There are few facilities for people with younger dementia. They need special care which is different from the care for the elderly. As a member of AAJ, I will try to hold more meetings to make more opportunities to associate each other for them.

(58-year-old female)

5. REPORTAGE

Mr. Adachi, a former public servant, was diagnosed with younger dementia at the age of 57 two years ago.

He made the distressful decision to retire last year. But he aspired to work again and kept eagerly seeking a

job that was possible for him through the employment exchange office and acquaintances. Finally he got a

part-time job at a daycare center as a caregiver. He is trusted by his colleagues and users of the day-care

center. Now he says with a smile, “I am very glad to have a certain role and be involved in society”

6. MESSAGE FROM PWDS

7. PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Take heart and take care till next month