XVI th National Conference of (ARDSI) Alzheimer’s and Related Disorders Society of India, Nov 2011

XVI th National Conference of ARDSI, at YASHADA , Pune, India 26th & 27th Nov-2011 :  Alzheimer's & Dementia Related Diseases-Emerging Challenges , Joining hands to act locally and globally .

ARDSI Pune Chapter is pleased to announce the XVIth National Conference of Alzheimer's and Related Disorders Society of India with the Theme: Alzheimer's & Dementia Related Diseases-Emerging Challenges  “Joining   hands   to Act Locally and Globally” on 26th & 27th of November 2011 at Yashwantrao Chavan Academy of Development Administration (YASHADA), Rajbhavan Complex, Baner Road, Pune- 411 007.

Alzheimer's Disease International (ADI) is the umbrella organization of National Alzheimer's Associations  throughout  the world, whose main purpose  is  to  improve  the quality of  life of people with  dementia  and  their  care  givers  and  particularly  to  raise  awareness  about  the disease.  ARDSI  is  the  first  Afro-Asian  National  Alzheimer's  Organization to receive full membership  in ADI.

ARDSI,  the  pioneer  organization  in  the  field  of  Alzheimer's  and  dementia  in  India  was established  in  the  year  1992.  Today  ARDSI  has  grown  to  an  active  national  organization dedicated to the care, support and research of dementia in the country. ARDSI Pune Chapter started  functioning  this  year  under  the  aegis  of  Chaitanya Mental  Health  Care  Centre  and International  Longevity  Centre  India,  two  established  organizations working  in  the  field  of Mental Health as well as Dementia.

Chaitanya (www.chaitanyarehab.com)was  started  in Pune  in  the  year  1999  as  a  charitable Trust  registered  under  the Bombay  Public  Trusts  Act  1950  to  offer  comprehensive  treatment  and  community  based psychosocial  rehabilitation  for  those  suffering  from various mental disorders. As a  result of committed efforts and  significant  contributions,  today Chaitanya has emerged as one of  the leading psychosocial rehabilitation centers in India having three branches in Maharashtra and one each  in Goa and Kerala providing residential care  for more  than 400 patients.

The International Longevity Centre-India (ILC-I) is a not-for-profit company founded by Dr. S. D. Gokhale, the social scientist of international repute, working for population ageing in the fields of Research, Training, Policy, Advocacy and Documentation since 2003.

ILC-I  is a member of the Global Alliance of Longevity Centres which has twelve members besides India

For more Info & Registration Contact:

ardsipuneconference@gmail.com ; chaitanya_rony@rediffmail.com ; info@ardsipune.org

 

Website: http://ardsipune.blogspot.com/

10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s / Dementia (Memory-Loss) that Disrupt Daily Life

“Memory loss that disrupts daily life is not a typical part of aging. It may be a symptom of Alzheimer’s, a fatal brain disease that causes a slow decline in memory, thinking and reasoning skills. Every individual may experience one or more of these signs in different degrees. If you notice any of them, please see a doctor.”

Ten Warning Signs

• 1. Memory loss that disrupts family life

One of the most common signs of Alzheimer’s is memory loss, especially forgetting recently learned information. Others include forgetting important dates or events; asking for the same information over and over; relying on memory aides (e.g., reminder notes or electronic devices) or family members for things they used to handle on their own.

What’s a typical age-related change? Sometimes forgetting names or appointments, but remembering them later.

• 2. Challenges in planning or problem solving

Some people may experience changes in their ability to develop and follow a plan or work with numbers. They may have trouble following a familiar recipe or keeping track of monthly bills. They may have difficulty concentrating and take much longer to do things than they did before.

What’s a typical age-related change? Making occasional errors when balancing a checkbook.

• 3. difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, at work, or at leisure

People with Alzheimer’s often find it hard to complete daily tasks. Sometimes, people may have trouble driving to a familiar location, managing a budget at work or remembering the rules of a favorite game.

What’s a typical age-related change? Occasionally needing help to use the settings on a microwave or to record a television show.

• 4. Confusion with time or place

People with Alzheimer’s can lose track of dates, seasons and the passage of time. They may have trouble understanding something if it is not happening immediately. Sometimes they may forget where they are or how they got there.

What’s a typical age-related change? Getting confused about the day of the week but figuring it out later.

• 5. Trouble understanding visual images or spatial relationships

For some people, having vision problems is a sign of Alzheimer’s. They may have difficulty reading, judging distance and determining color or contrast. In terms of perception, they may pass a mirror and think someone else is in the room. They may not realize they are the person in the mirror.

What’s a typical age-related change? Vision changes related to cataracts.

• 6. New problems with words in speaking or writing

People with Alzheimer’s may have trouble following or joining a conversation. They may stop in the middle of a conversation and have no idea how to continue or they may repeat themselves. They may struggle with vocabulary, have problems finding the right word or call things by the wrong name (e.g., calling a “watch” a “hand-clock”).

What’s a typical age-related change? Sometimes having trouble finding the right word.

• 7. misplacing things and losing ability to retrace steps

A person with Alzheimer’s disease may put things in unusual places. They may lose things and be unable to go back over their steps to find them again. Sometimes, they may accuse others of stealing. This may occur more frequently over time.

What’s a typical age-related change? Misplacing things from time to time, such as a pair of glasses or the remote control.

• 8.  Decreased or poor judgment

People with Alzheimer’s may experience changes in judgment or decision-making. For example, they may use poor judgment when dealing with money, giving large amounts to telemarketers. They may pay less attention to grooming or keeping themselves clean.

What’s a typical age-related change? Making a bad decision once in a while.

• 9.  Withdrawal from work or social activities

A person with Alzheimer’s may start to remove themselves from hobbies, social activities, work projects or sports. They may have trouble keeping up with a favorite sports team or remembering how to complete a favorite hobby. They may also avoid being social because of the changes they have experienced.

What’s a typical age-related change? Sometimes feeling weary of work, family and social obligations.

• 10. Changes in Mood or Personality

The mood and personalities of people with Alzheimer’s can change. They can become confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful or anxious. They may be easily upset at home, at work, with friends or in places where they are out of their comfort zone.

What’s a typical age-related change? Developing very specific ways of doing things and becoming irritable when a routine is disrupted.

If you have any of these symptoms, you should make an appointment with your family physician , Psychiatrist , Neurologist or local ARDSI group , NGO like Silver Inning Foundation  and let him know of your symptoms. There are medications to delay symptoms of Alzheimer’s if diagnosed early.

Source: http://free-alzheimers-support.com/wordpress/2010/09/10-warning-signs-of-memory-loss-that-disrupt-daily-life/

Dementia & Alzheimer's SIF presentation in English & Marathi 2011.mp4

Dementia is a progressive brain dysfunction which results in memory loss and a restriction of daily activities and in most cases leads in the long term to the need for care. Dementia is one of the major causes of disability in late-life. Many diseases can result in dementia, the most common one being Alzheimer's disease. It mainly affects older people ; about 2% of cases start at the age of 60 years. After this, the prevalence doubles every five years. Dementia affects each person and family differently. As dementia progress, there are notable changes in memory, thinking, language, behavior and function — all of which require different skills and strategies. Very few of us have a natural born knack for care giving. The challenge posed by dementia as a health and social issue is of a scale we can no longer ignore. Despite the magnitude, there is gross ignorance, neglect and scarce services for people with dementia and their families. This Presentation is prepared by Silver Inning Foundation in association with ARDSI Greater Mumbai Chapter for Information and awareness. June 2011 . Contact : silverinnings@gmail.com . Website: www.silverinnings.com