POLEPOLE May, 2012

-Here is brief summary of issues dealt with in the AAJ Newsletter of the May 2012 issue-

1. NEWS AND INFORMATION

“Dementia: PM promises push to tackle national crisis ” ( BBC 26^th March 2012 )

“China faces increasing numbers of Alzheimer’s patients” (Women’s International Perspective,18^th March 2012 )

2. AAJ HEADQUARTERS UPDATE

*AAJ will hold its national annual conference on 2^nd June in Kyoto. The bills will be decided by the 169 elected delegates but all members of AAJ are encouraged to participate and state their opinions.

3.PROFESSIONAL’S COMMENT

By Dr. M. Doi

“The end of life care for people with dementia “

-In the case of people with dementia, dyspahgia progresses along with the declining of

physical strength. Some people choose to undergo a PEG (Percutaneous Endoscopic

Gastrostomy) to avoid the risk of pneumonia, and others choose to keep eating with

risk. The end comes inevitably to everyone. We try to support people to maximize their

wishes.-

4. THE THOUGHT AND FEELING OF FAMILY CARERS FOR PERCUTANEOUS ENDOSCOPIC GASTROSTOMY

*I finally decided to have my wife undergo a PEG after long, careful consideration. Her soreness and malnutrition were cured and her physical condition improved. I am sure that it was the right choice.

*I did not choose PEG for my wife following our conversation which we had before she got dementia.

*I signed the paper for the confirmation of no-PEG and no-infusion for my father. But I always cry and hope that he lives as long as possible.

5. LETTERS FROM MEMBERS

*I retired early to take care of my wife with younger onset dementia. Sometimes I am so tired from caring that I hit her. But she just says “ouch” and never blames me. It makes me sadder.

(59-year-old husband)

*I sent my mother to a nursing home and wanted to forget all of the dementia issues. However, I changed my mind after the AAJ lecture meeting. I try to be an active member by lobbying and working for the community.

(50-year-old daughter)

6. CARE EXPERIENCE

“Dad! I respect you“ By E. Saimoto, Hiroshima Branch

My father was diagnosed with younger onset dementia. Worries, such as financial matters and communication with him, have come one after another since then. But the biggest one for me is heredity of dementia. Though I know that the risk is low I still have a fear of it. I wish I could share these feelings with the younger generation. Now I understand that he still desires to take a father’s role for us. I want to support him to live peacefully.

7. TWO HEADS ARE BETTER THAN ONE

Question

My father with dementia refuses to go to the hospital for his internal medicine treatment.

When I dragged him out he became agitated and could not get treatment. I am anxious about his health.

8. ACTIVITIES OF THE CHAPTERS FROM THE NORTH TO THE SOUTH

* Tottori Branch holds carers’ meetings at 18 places every month including the meeting focused on younger- onset dementia this year. There were only four places in 2005.

* Kyoto Branch has published 349 newsletters in its 30-year history. Those have helped carers to share the feelings and increase knowledge.

*Saga Branch holds the meeting for carers of people with younger- onset dementia three times a year. They are challenging to improve social awareness this year.

*Okayama Branch hosted the Niko concert, which features a Chinese traditional instrument. The many elderly in the community were invited and enjoyed the beautiful music.

8. GLOBAL FAMILY

By T.Katsuta

“Elegant dance in London”

9.ESSAY

By Dr. M. Matsuda

“The meaning of drive for people with dementia”

10. COMMENT ON THE LONG TERM- CARE INSURANCE REFORM

11.MESSAGE FROM PWDS

By K. Yamamoto, Member of PWDs Support Committee

“A wonderful experience at the ADI London Conference”

12. MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

By Kunio Takami, President of AAJ