POLEPOLE April, 2012
-Here is brief summary of issues dealt with in the AAJ Newsletter of April 2012 issue-
1. NEWS AND INFORMATION
“Irregular heartbeats increase the chance of dementia, McMaster researchers report ” (the spec.com 27th Feb 2012)
“Life with dementia”(New York Times 25th Feb 2012)
2. AAJ HEADQUARTERS UPDATE
*The board meeting of AAJ was held 24th March. The board members reviewed and discussed the following:
･The achievement in 2011
･The action strategy for 2012
･The schedule of AAJ national conference in 2012, 2013 and 2014.
･The report of ADI London conference
･The report of the survey on support for carers
3.PROFESSIONAL’S COMMENT
“The end of life care for people with dementia” By Dr. M. Doi
It is important to ascertain the difference between dysphagia and eating difficulty caused by collapse of the whole body system from such causes as cancer or aging, etc.
4. THE THOUGHT AND FEELING OF FAMILY CARERS FOR PERCUTANEOUS ENDOSCOPIC GASTROSTOMY
*I decided not to choose the operation for my husband after careful consideration. I am sure he agrees with my decision.
*I am wavering between him having it or not.
*My mother died soon after undergoing a PEG operation. I feel guilty about this.
5. LETTERS FROM MEMBERS
*Can I accept the kind of my care when I get dementia?
While I am confused with my mother’s behavior, I think it might be mine after 25 years. I always ask myself if I will be able to accept the kind of care in the future which I am giving her now. (62-year-old daughter)
*Policemen need to learn about dementia
My husband is too active, suffering from younger onset dementia. He sometimes brings back bicycles of other people. The policemen always blame me and tell me to send him to a facility in a high-handed manner. They do not know how difficult it is to enter a facility for people in my husband’s condition. (63-year-old wife)
6. CARE EXPERIENCE
“Long and hard ten years with my husband “
By T. Taniguchi, a member of Miyazaki branch
7.TWO HEADS ARE BETTER THAN ONE
Question
My sister is taking care of her husband with dementia. Recently she is getting seriously
forgetful, too. I wonder if she has dementia but she is confident that she has no problem.
8. THE REPORT OF ADI CONFERENCE IN LONDON
More than 20 people including three people with dementia from AAJ participated in the London conference on 7th to 10th March. The exchange meeting of people with dementia from the UK and Japan was successful and also the AAJ show case won the first prize.
6. ACTIVITIES OF THE CHAPTERS FROM THE NORTH TO THE SOUTH
*Fukushima branch held the new year meeting. Kazuko Sato, the president, explained that we have learned the importance of never giving up, searching for the truth and acting continuously through the nuclear disaster.
*Nagano branch is establishing “Now-I-am-caring-mark” which urges the understanding and support for carers. They deliver stickers, posters and brochures for carers, cooperating with local government.
*Aichi branch published the book ” Support for Family Carers–Effective and Concrete Strategies-“
*Fukui branch held its monthly meeting. It was snowing heavily and no family carers participated. But officers resolved to keep holding the monthly meetings even if no carers came.
8. GLOBAL FAMILY
“Aged care in Australia”
9.ESSAY
By Dr. K. Maeda
10. MESSAGE FROM PWDS
“Working in the community”
Mr. Shoichi Adachi, who suffers from younger onset dementia, sells fresh vegetables once a week with the support of the day care center staff. He has customers who are waiting for his goods with a smile. He is saving his wages. It is a small amount but a great value as his social participation.
11. MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
By Kunio Takami
Take heart and take care till next month
