POLEPOLE November, 2009

1. NEWS AND INFORMATION

*”Chesterfield couple learns to live with Alzheimer’s” (stltoday.com May, 2009)

*”Treatment of vascular risk factors is associated with slower decline in Alzheimer disease” (Neurology September, 2009)

2. AAJ HEADQUARTER UPDATE

*The annual board meeting was held in Saga Prefecture with 190 board members from 41 chapters all over Japan. The activity of the first half of the year was reported and the proposal to improve Long Term Care Insurance was passed by an overwhelming majority.

* AAJ published the book ”Live together.” It is composed of members’ short stories about how they overcame crises which nearly ended in suicides or double suicides.

3. SPECIALIST’S COMMENT

“The latest report of dementia care through practical activities”

-Ten principles of care to get back an ordinary life – By Y. Okuni

4. MY OPINION ABOUT THE SOCIAL SECURITY

“We must fulfill our duties as citizens to improve the social security system”

By T. Okada

5. LETTERS FROM MEMBERS

*I am taking care of my 91-year-old father, and 85-year-old mother at home and am anxious about what will happen in our lives from now on. Will this harsh life continue

till they pass away? (54-year-old woman)

*I have been taking care of my wife and mother, who are both suffering from Alzheimer’s. In April I vomited blood and was taken in an ambulance to the hospital. They spent 10 days at a nursing home during my hospital admission. When they came back home I was shocked to see their expressionless faces. I decided to take care of them at home as long as I can but I am anxious about my health. (67-year-old man)