Today I would like to take time to share some information with you.

 All of my regular readers are aware that I live in Southern Florida. In July (which was quiet, thank goodness), August, and September, we are prone to disastrous hurricanes. If we are about to get hit, I will warn you in advance it is coming, and my power (which includes Internet), will most likely be out for an unspecified length of time. If that happens, YOU WILL STILL BE ABLE TO POST ON THE MESSAGE BOARDS. My California son will be able to post the messages, thanks to the miracle of modern technology, and something called a “remote view”.  

I have received a number of requests for financial information related to Social Security Disability; Medicaid; and Medicare. A look at my own finances  would assure you that I am no expert in money matters. However, the best resource I have found is on www.alz.org. Click on “Living with Alzheimer’s”. Under that heading you will find links to financial matters; Medicare and Medicaid; and Legal Matters. Those links are chock full of valuable information that should answer all of your questions.

One issue that keeps coming up repeatedly on the Message Boards is the distressing situation of Early Onset Alzheimer’s Disease (EOAD) in which both spouses are very young (40’s and early 50’s), and are raising children at home. AD is difficult enough for adults to deal with, but it is even more confusing,, painful, and life-altering for children and teenagers. I have written a blog on this (see previous blogs to the left), but more help is needed for the families with children at home. I have included this in two previous blogs, but new readers may not have seen it:

Anyone with the disease and their spouse might want to register with Joann Webster at the Tulsa/OK Alzheimer office.  She is Early-onset Coordinator and there is a newsletter along with email connections to others in the same boat so to speak.  There was an early onset conference in Tulsa in early June.  Her Direct Line (918) 481-7746  TOLL FREE 1-800-272-3900 and email joann.webster@alz.org.  She is a voice at the National Alzheimer Association and works very hard to get the word out.

She needs to be made aware, by as many people as possible, that resources, support groups, and expert advice, related to the children at home, are all desperately needed by EOAD families.

I subscribe to an e-mail magazine called “Alzheimer’s Daily News”. It not only has the latest information on Alzheimer treatments, drug studies, and excerpts from a variety of interesting articles on Alzheimer’s Disease, but it also lists the subject, dates, and times of conferences all over the country. There may be one in your area in the near future. To subscribe, send an e-mail to agelessd@aol.com  or ewarner@agelessdesign.org.

On this website, we have discussed giving our spouses chores  to do to keep them busy. Below is a short excerpt from an article in a recent “Alzheimer’s Daily News”:

(Source: Earth Times) - According to experts at the University of Marburg in Germany, repetitive household chores, such as washing up, sweeping the yard, cleaning the house or even peeling potatoes, can help boost the self-esteem of people suffering from Alzheimer's disease. Being able to cope with such activities makes many people with dementia less depressed and more involved.

If any of you are in the areas below, you may be interested in these conferences:

8/23/2007 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM - A Night For Caregivers "Sometimes Ya Gotta Laugh" Erlanger, KY
A special night for family caregivers to be encouraged as caregivers and to learn about community resources and information. Karen Stobbe will present "Sometimes Ya Gotta Laugh" from 7-8:00 p.m. Participants will have opportunity to visit with sponsors/service providers before and after the presentation. Decadent desserts and coffee along with door prizes will top off this wonderful family caregiver event. This is a free program, however registration is required.

8/26/2007 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM - Early Stage Town Hall Meeting: Chicago, IL
Make your voice heard. If you have early-stage Alzheimer's or a memory disorder, join the Alzheimer's Association at a gathering for people with dementia to talk about living with the disease. Registration begins at 8:00. To register go to www.alz.org/meetings.

8/27/2007 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM - Alzheimer's Association 15th Annual Dementia Care Conference: Chicago, IL
Mark your calendars - the 15th Annual Alzheimer's Association Dementia Care Conference, will take place August 27-29, 2007 in Chicago. The conference will provide an opportunity for you to connect with dementia care peers and experts from around the country, and will deliver relevant dementia care information that you can easily and quickly apply to the work you do every day. Conference tracks include Early Stage Issues, Residential Care, Community Based Care, and an Alzheimer's Association Chapter Showcase. Additional information on abstract submission and registration can be found on the conference website at www.alz.org/careconference.

8/28/2007 8:30 AM - 4:45 PM - 8th Annual Conference on Alzheimer's Disease and Psychiatric Disorders in the Elderly: Choctaw/Philadelphia, MS
This conference is designed to inform, educate and train all who are involved in the care of persons with Alzheimer's disease or other dementia and/or psychiatric disorders. It provides a unique forum for professional interactions, networking, and one-on-one contact to discuss issues and important questions to some of the state's leaders as well. Continuing education credit will be offered in a wide variety of disciplines, with 13 credit hours, or 1.56 SWU's.

8/29/2007 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM -- Southern NH Memory Walk Kick-off Event: Manchester, NH
Reception and Educational Event! Come join the fun to Kick-off the Memory walks of New Hampshire with an opportunity to meet friends, family and professionals who care for those with Alzheimer's Disease. Dr. Robert Santulli and Attorney David R. Craig will also present recent advancements in the medical and legal fields of Alzheimer's Disease.

IF no medical, computer, or other unforeseen emergencies arise this week,  most links on the left side of the website should be filled in by the weekend. Keep your fingers crossed.

Feedback to joan@thealzheimerspouse.com