Posted by admin on May 9th, 2009 in Community Involvement, Health, Hot Topics

I was fortunate to take part in a conference call with Maria Shriver ( the First Lady of California) today.  You may of Ms. Shriver’s work with the Special Olympics but in recent years she has added  Alzheimer’s to her list of causes.   Her own father, Sargent Shriver was diagnosed with the disease six years ago.  Since then, she’s written a book on the subject and is passionate about promoting education, support and research for this insidious disease.  Her book, “What’s Happening to Grandpa?“  helps
explain Alzheimer’s to children.  In it, she also gives kids suggestions on how
to help and to show love to an elderly person with the disease.  Now, she’s co-producing an  HBO special about Alzheimer’s called; The Alzheimer’s Project. It airs May 10th.

Teenagers Are On the Frontlines: They are Caregivers

Based on the results from the third annual Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) ICAN: Investigating Caregivers’ Attitudes and Needs Survey,  about three in five caregivers say their children aged 8 to 21 are involved in the caregiving of someone with Alzheimer’s.  Teenagers are becoming more and more involved in the caretaking of their elderly (or not so elderly) family members with dementia or Alzheimer’s.  Many of them are involved in important decisions surrounding treatment and caretaking of the affected family member.

• About one-third of young adults (ages 18-21) assist with doctors’ appointments;
• 42% of young adults assist with transporting loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease;
• About one-quarter of young adults and teens (ages 13-17) assist with activities of daily living, such as feeding and dressing;
• Nearly 90% of pre-teens (ages 8-12) visit and entertain a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease 
• Approximately 85% of teens pay visits to the person with the disease.

HBO: The Alzheimer’s Project

THE ALZHEIMER’S PROJECT is a huge undertaking.  It features a four-part documentary series, 15
short supplemental films, a  website, and a nationwide
community-based information and outreach campaign. A book published by
Public Affairs Books was developed by the producers as a companion to
the project. HBO will use all of its platforms, including the HBO main
service, multiplex channels, HBO On Demand, HBO Podcasts, hbo.com, HBO
Channel on YouTube, and DVD sales to support the project. In addition,
all films will stream free of charge on hbo.com and will be offered for
free on multiple platforms by participating television service
providers. Here is a list of the topics covered in the special series:

The Memory Loss Tapes (debuting May 10)

The first in the series is:  “The Memory Loss Tapes”.  The first show  provides a personal look at seven individuals living with Alzheimer’s, each in an advancing state of dementia across the full spectrum of the progression of the disease.

“Momentum In Science” (airing May 11 and 12)

The second show takes viewers inside the laboratories and clinics of 25 leading scientists and physicians and discusses some of the current research and the focus and direction for the future.

‘Grandpa, Do You Know Who I Am?’ with Maria Shriver” (airing May 11)

This is the show that addresses Alzheimer’s  impact on family;  what it means to be a child or grandchild of one with Alzheimer’s.

“Caregivers” (May 12)

The final show highlights the sacrifices and successes of people who experience their loved ones’ descent into dementia.  This is the show that gets to the heart of the family and highlights the devastating effects of this disease.  Over 60% of the caregivers of Alzheimer’s patients are women.  And, 70% of Alzheimer’s sufferers live at home.  No surprise…this is a woman’s issue.  No doubt.  And, ultimately it is a family issue.

I encourage you to watch this series as I know everyone is affected by this disease, if not now, one day.