Welcome Note from Person Living with Dementia
Welcome! We here at the Miami Valley Chapter are dedicated to working with individuals living with dementia. Adding to the many programs and services that we offer to families is the addition of programs for persons living with early stage dementia. We are devoting this page to persons living in the early stages of the disease and extend our knowledge on the disease here to you with periodic updates. Currently we hold two early stage support groups for those with the disease in Montgomery County, one at our Miamisburg office and one in Vandalia (see below for dates/times/locations). While we continue to grow this program, please check back often to see what new information there is for you.
Please scroll below to find a welcome message from a person living with early stage dementia, in addition to resources and programs.
Questions? Need more information?
If you have questions and are facing early stage dementia, please contact Julie Worley, Family Assistance Director, at 800.272.3900 or 937.291.3332 or via email at julie.worley@alz.org for more information.
Welcome from Sue (a person living with dementia)
"Almost six years have past since my diagnosis. My name is Sue, I am 67 years old and I have early-stage dementia. My past years living with Alzheimer's have presented many challenges, but my life has taken an amazing turn. How so, you might say? First, I am no longer angry with God at my diagnosis. The peace and strength I have gained by dropping off the daily fight of asking, "Why me, God?" has returned me to a life that is meaningful. No, I can't work for a weekly paycheck, but I am volunteering and feel deep down the joy of being needed and appreciated for what I can still contribute.
Second, I am no longer ashamed of my diagnosis, feeling like a leper who has to hide for fear of "contaminating" others. I still hate my disease and have concerns for what lies ahead, but my rage has turned into a desire to advocate for Alzheimer's funding for clinical research to develop drugs that will finally provide a cure for what remains a cruel disease, and for monies for respite care relief for caregivers whose own lives are being shortened by the drain on finances and their physical bodies from tending to their loved ones. Many physicians seem largely in the dark about the recent discovery that the adult brain can grown new brain cells, and, therefore, those with Alzheimer's can continue to learn and re-learn. Doctors need to realize this and encourage their patients!
Third, more than ever before, there is a new reason to hope for people receiving the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease, especially when diagnosed in the early stage of the disease. Please - once the shock of hearing the diagnosis has settled down some - don't give in to despair! It was almost two years ago now that I heard a presentation that research has proven that adults can grow new brain cells. Once that realization took root, it seemed to infuse renewed life into me, even as I discovered "Hope" cannot be a passive state. For me, HOPE becomes activated by my staying socially engaged, eating a healthy diet, engaging in physical exercise, and keeping my brain stimulated and mentally active. Along with hope has come the determination each day I wake to be alive that day to the fullest. I am determined to live my life from now on as a legacy that will confirm to my children and grandchildren that no matter how much longer I am able to live, my life should never be considered wasted."
--Sue devotes much of her time and energy to educating others about Alzheimer's. She volunteers at the Miami Valley Chapter office regularly and has participated in events such as our annual lobby day (Memory Day) in Columbus and Public Policy Forum in Washington, D.C. Sue attends the early stage support group meetings held at our office.
Support Groups
Dayton Early-Stage Support Group*
Meets every 2nd Thursday at 10:00 a.m.
Location: Alzheimer's Association, Miami Valley Chapter, 3797 Summit Glen Drive, Suite G100, Dayton, 45449
*Please contact Julie Worley prior to attending this meeting. She may be reached at 937.291.3332 or by email at julie.worley@alz.org.
Meets every 4th Thursday at 4:30 p.m.
Location: Vandalia Senior Center, 21 Tionda Drive, Vandalia, 45377
*Please contact Julie Worley prior to attending this meeting. She may be reached at 937.291.3332 or by email at julie.worley@alz.org.
Resources
"Managing Triggers" - an inspirational guide for people with early-stage memory loss - click here to read booklet.
Click here for link to local clinical trials.
Online Resources
Alternative & Complementary Therapy
Alternative Medicine Homepage http://www.pitt.edu
Alternative Treatments for Alzheimer's http://www.alz.org
HerbMed http://www.herbmed.org
IBIDS (International Bibliographic Information on Dietary Supplements) http://ods.od.nih.gov
Integrative Therapies http://www.heatherhill.com
National Center for Complementary & Alternative Meds http://nccam.nih.gov
Brain Health
Brain Gym (Find nationwide courses in brain health) http://www.braingym.org
Brain Gym Articles on techniques in concentration, memory, reading, writing, organizing, listening, physical coordination & more http://www.centeredge.com
Brain Health AARP http://www.aarp.org
Brain Health American Society on Aging http://www.asaging.org
Brain Power Diet http://www.medicinenet.com
Brain Resources in Health and Education for Seniors http://www.dana.org
Brainspot Games http://www.unc.edu
How Your Brain Works http://health.howstuffworks.com
Newsletter, Center for Aging UCLA (Free) http://www.creativeaging.org
Nutrition http://www.nlm.nih.gov
Games at Fwend.com http://www.fwend.com
