POLEPOLE February, 2011
1. NEWS AND INFORMATION
“Alzheimer’s as seen by a patient who is also a doctor” (Los Angeles Times, June 27th 2010)
“Over 100,000 older people have sight loss and dementia” (Alzheimer’s Society, December 1st 2010)
2. AAJ headquarters update
*AAJ will submit a proposal based on the questionnaire which was completed by 5500 AAJ members to the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare. The proposal provides the policy directions for such issues as the revision of Long-Term Care Insurance, carers’ support, medical care and community development for PWDs.
3.Professional’s comment
Dementia with levy bodies
By Dr. K. Kosaka
4. Letters from Members
*My mother was diagnosed with dementia a year ago. I joined AAJ with growing fear of my mother’s future. As I had expected, her condition has been getting worse. She is easy to anger and behaves like child. But I can accept her with relative ease by attending the AAJ carers’ meeting, and support from members. I am sure I can get along with her.
*”Cherish every moment with your loved one.” I tell this to carers of PWDs at the onset period through my experience. The most important thing for carers is to have peace of mind. Please enjoy outings, trips, hobbies and any good time you can share with him or her.
5. My opinion on AAJ’s proposal for long-term care insurance
AAJ has made a proposal to abolish the certification for long–term care need under the Long Term Care Insurance. The certification has further downplayed the need for care after the revision of 2009. I think the AAJ’s proposal is significant to consider the revision of LTCI in 2012.
6. Activities of the Chapters From the north to the south
7. Global family
Osamu Mizuki and his blog ”Cherished Encounters” were introduced on the page of ADI News Letter ”Global Perspective” issued in September 2010. He is a 73-year-old Japanese who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s five years ago. Impressed by Cristine Bryden’s book, “Who will I be when I die?” he began writing his blog in 2006. He has many readers and exchanges messages with them on his website. Osamu Mizuki’s blogs written from 2005 to 2006 were edited by Alzheimer’s Association Japan and published in 2006.
8. FROM ADI
By R. Yoshino, Chairman of the International Exchange Board of AAJ
ADI is the international federation of Alzheimer associations of 74 nations and regions and headquartered in London. It has two regional offices in Europe and the U.S. AAJ is the only association in Japan which is affiliated with ADI. According to the World Alzheimer report released by ADI in 2009, there were estimated to be 35.6 million people with dementia in 2010 and the numbers are nearly doubling every 20 years. Japan is the most aging society in the world. We want to share the knowledge and information which we have accumulated with the world, especially with rapidly aging Asian countries.
9. essay
By m. Kawamura, chief Producer of NHK Public welfare organization
6. Message from PWDs
“ PWDs and their carers exchanged opinions with government bureaucrats at the meeting held by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare”
7. President’s Message
By T. Takami, President of AAJ
Take heart and take care till next month!
