Alzheimer's Aid Society
FORGET ME NOT

Support groups throughout the Sacramento-San Joaquin Valley
ALL Donations Stay - Here in Your Community

We want to thank the sponsors of all the Society events.
Please support our Sponsors.

A New Caregiver Support Program Online



At ORCAS, we don’t just build programs. We make sure the programs work. All of our programs undergo scientific studies to validate effectiveness.

EARN UP TO $225 FOR REVIEWING OUR WEB PROGRAM AND PROVIDING US WITH FEEDBACK.
For more information see their Information Sheet or visit the web site www.orcasinc.com

> ORCAS is a healthcare technology company that creates effective and engaging behavior change and self-management programs. Our goal is improved well-being for every person with whom we connect.

ORCAS brings over 20 years of experience combining behavioral science with state-of-the-art technology to make a difference in the lives of the people who use our programs. Our solutions use social networking, mobile technologies, and game dynamics to create a simple, social, and fun experience for the user while dealing with challenging topics.

THE CAREGIVER by Margie Eisenhower

Hi Readers, l would like once again to share true experiences from other caregivers (names have been changed):

Jean-Marie: I felt quite prepared to be a caregiver when my dad was diagnosed because I had worked for years as a professional social worker/nurse who advised and helped families with patients suffering from dementia. But, what a rude awakening! It's quite a different story when you're on the other side. It had gotten so hard I began seeing a therapist who has helped a lot. One thing she said resonates, "You have a tough job but you have to take care of yourself. Remember, if you are in a plane with a child, and there's an emergency, you must put the oxygen mask on yourself first."

Burt: Don't overlook getting a Power of Attorney because many "services" won't talk to you or value your input without it. Doctors (there will be many) will probably ask the patient questions about his/her health history. Don't jump in right away to correct your "loved one's" inaccurate information. Give them a few minutes of conversation. Then correct the information. Two reasons - 1st - sometimes the doctor needs to assess her mental capacity with a conversation; and 2nd - they may categorize you as being too pushy and maybe not having your parent's best interest at heart. And, don't feel like you're taking away your parents' freedom when you get this POA. You must do this to avoid a lot of problems.

Read all the articles in our January-February 2012 Newsletter.

Dementia From the Latin words "mind" and "away".

According to The Mayo Clinic Staff - Dementia isn't a specific disease. Instead, dementia describes a group of symptoms affecting intellectual and social abilities severely enough to interfere with daily functioning. Many causes of dementia symptoms exist. Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of a progressive dementia

Why do you want to know what form of dementia your loved one has?

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive and degenerative brain illness, which causes thinking and memory to become seriously impaired. When a person has Alzheimer's disease, several physical changes occur in the brain. Brain cells shrink - or disappear - and are replaced by dense, irregularly shaped spots called plaques. Threadlike tangles will also develop within existing brain cells, and will eventually choke and destroy healthy cells. As brain cells degenerate and die, the brain shrinks in some regions – a process that will continue over time. As the disease advances and affects different areas of the brain, various abilities become impaired resulting in changes to abilities and/or behaviour.

Once an ability is lost, it is not known to return. However, research is now suggesting that some relearning may be possible.

Here is another form of dementia -

There are many causes of dementia. They include Lewy Body Disease, Pick's Disease, Huntington's Disease, Head Truma and more. You can find out more on page 7 of our Blue Book along with additional help and information on dealing with Alzheimer's.

How You can HELP the Alzheimer's Aid Society

You can attend one of our support group meetings and share your experiences with others, answer the phone during office hours, or donate items in support of the La Loma Seniors.
 

Just give us a call at: (800) 540-3340
In Sacramento (916) 483-2002 or Modesto (209) 238-0538.
Be Kind - Be Loving - Be Understanding - Be Patient