Photo by Mark Hooper
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Finding Help
By Kelly Griffin, September & October 2005
New choices for people in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease
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Read All Articles in This Special Report
Inside Jim's Brain: How Scientists Are Untangling the Mysteries of
Alzheimer's
What It Feels Like: A Personal Account of Living With Alzheimer's
He's Still in There: A Daughter's Perspective
Stay Sharp Longer: Nine Simple Things You Can Do
Great Pretenders: Common Ailments and Drugs Known to Monkey With Memory
Web Exclusive: Feed Your Head With Healthy Brain Foods
Back to the first article in this Special Report: You’re Wiser Now
Paula McMartin is playing quizmaster. A dozen men and women sit with
the social worker in a circle of periwinkle chairs. "Does anybody
here own land near our proposed baseball stadium?" McMartin asks.
"I wish!" one man says.
It's "current events" time at Iona Senior Services in
Washington, D.C., and the members of this weekly activity group have
ideas, opinions, theories, jokes. They also have early-stage
Alzheimer's disease.
As the evidence builds that mental stimulation can keep memory sharp
longer, agencies have begun to tailor activities to those newly
diagnosed with dementia. At Iona's club, participants meet weekly
to listen to lectures on politics, history, and the arts; hear live
music; exercise; or visit museums.
The social interaction is just as valuable as the intellectual
stimulation, says Phil Steitz, who has belonged to the Iona club for
more than two years. Though he counts himself lucky to have a
supportive wife, he values the understanding he gets from others with
AD. "The worst thing about this disease is trying to live with it
alone," he says. "It would be awful."
Because such programs are relatively new, not all cities have them; if
yours does, you may have to dig a bit to find one. Here's a
sampling of the kind of help that may be out there for you:
Culture Clubs Some community organizations offer programs like
Iona's to stimulate thought, discussion, and personal connections.
Your local agency on aging may know of one. Contact Eldercare Locator
online or at 800-677-1116.
Online Options There are many discussion groups and chat rooms for
those with early AD. For example, the Dementia Advocacy and Support
Network International offers daily chats. To participate, visit its website.
Research Centers A few National Institute on Aging research
centers—located throughout the U.S.—offer activities for
those with early AD. To find the center nearest you, call 800-438-4380
or go online.
Support Groups Many chapters of the Alzheimer's Association offer
in-person or telephone support from other AD patients. To find out
what's offered in your area, call 800-272-3900 or go online.
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