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Living Over Aging: Elder Journal - November is Alzheimer's Month
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Elder Journal
by Paul Takayanagi
November is National Alzheimer’s Disease Month. It’s a time to recognize all of the individuals who suffer with this devastating disease and their families and the organizations who support them. Currently more than 4 million Americans suffer with Alzheimer’s. With more people living longer, future victims of the disease may number in double digit millions. The families, friends and other caregivers who suffer with them already number in the tens of millions. While there still is no cure, there is much hope that scientists will unlock the mystery of Alzheimer’s in the next decade. We must be a voice for more research into finding a cure or at least more effective treatments for this challenging disease.
There is no greater fear on the part of many older adults than the prospect of developing Alzheimer’s and related disorders. The clinical term for Alzheimer’s is "dementia" which many people find fearful because they associate it with the word "demented" or "crazy." People with dementia are not crazy but they are very confused, disoriented and forgetful. Alzheimer’s is just one of a number of dementia-related disorders that can affect older people. Others include Parkinson’s Disease and long term alcohol abuse. The interaction of certain medications can also bring on "dementia-like" behavior. If you suspect that a loved one has dementia then it’s important for that person to be assessed by medical professionals as soon as possible because some causes of dementia, like medication-related causes, can be effectively treated.
While there is no cure for Alzheimer’s at this time, there are very important services and programs for people who are affected by it and their families. Throughout the county there are social day programs, assisted living communities and skilled nursing facilities that specialize in serving persons with Alzheimer’s and related disorders. In addition there are organizations serving the families and caregivers of persons with dementia including the Alzheimer’s Association. Many of these programs and organizations are listed in the phone book under "Alzheimer’s care."
Martinez has a wonderful respite program for persons with Alzheimer’s Disease that is sponsored by the City of Martinez and supported by local organizations including the Shell Martinez Refining Company and individual donations. The program is known as "The Forget-Me-Not Club" and was started by Martinez resident Georgia Stockton. Georgia was the faithful leader of the club for ten years before she began work with the Contra Costa County Bureau of Adult and Aging Services earlier this year. Now, Margaret Brostrom coordinates the program and she brings a wealth of talent to the position. The Forget-Me-Not Club meets every Wednesday from 10 am to 4 pm and provides activities, arts and crafts, a hot lunch and special programs for up to 12 participants. There is a fee of $10 per session for Martinez residents. The program is also open to residents of other cities for a $15 fee. There are currently rather rare openings for participants in the program. Volunteers are also needed to help out in various ways. Please call Margaret directly on Wednesdays only at 370-8772 for more information.
The Bay Area Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association now has an East Bay office located in Lafayette. The association is the best source for information and resources on Alzheimer’s Disease. They also sponsor support groups, educational workshops and other events throughout the Bay Area. You can contact their East Bay office at (925) 284-7942.
Please take time this month to remember persons with Alzheimer’s disease and their families. It’s a disease that can affect persons of any race, color, creed or class. But with the proper care, many persons can live a good quality of life. They deserve nothing less than that.
11/99
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