Living with memory loss is very frustrating. Caring for family members with memory loss can be wearisome.
The following resources may help you navigate the ins and outs of caring for a family member with memory loss.
It’s okay to forget until you forget you have forgotten.
~ Ida Page
News from the FDA: Increased Risk of Death in Elderly Patients Taking Conventional Antipsychotics for Dementia
In a November 2008 Report, the FDA says, “At this time there is no approved drug to treat dementia-related psychosis, and FDA advises healthcare professionals to consider other options to manage these patients. Physicians who prescribe antipsychotics for elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis should discuss the increased risk of death with the patient, the patient’s family, and caregivers.” Click here to read the full report.
Reading
The Best Friends Approach to Alzheimer’s Care by David Troxel and Virginia Bell
Read more about the philosophy we use at Robert and Mary’s Place on their Web site: http://www.bestfriendsapproach.com.
Understanding the Dementia Experience by Jennifer Ghent-Fuller, B.A., R.N., M.Sc.N.
Alzheimer Society Cambridge Jennifer Ghent-Fuller
940 King St. East Education and Family Support Coordinator
Cambridge, Ontario, Canada Date of Last Revision:
N3H 3P3 September 27, 2003
http://www.alzheimercambridge.on.ca/Understanding the Dementia Experience.pdf
Videos
The Notebook a 2004 romance film directed by Nick Cassavetes, based on the novel of the same name by Nicholas Sparks. The film stars James Garner and Gena Rowlands as an elderly couple; Garner reveals the story of when they fell in love during the early 1940s. The younger versions of their characters are played by Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams.
Away From Her Married for almost 50 years, Grant’s (Gordon Pinsent) and Fiona’s (Julie Christie) commitment to each other appears unwavering. Their daily life is filled with tenderness and humor; yet this serenity is broken by Fiona’s increasingly evident memory loss – and her restrained references to a past betrayal.
* Genre:Drama
* Director:Sarah Polley
* Cast:Julie Christie, Olympia Dukakis, Gordon Pinsent, Michael Murphy, Kristen Thomson
Organizations
The Eastern Agency on Aging
(207) 941-2865 1-800-432-7812
http://www.eaaa.org/index.asp
Maine Office of Elder Services
http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/beas/services.htm
Maine Legal Services for the Elderly
http://www.mainelse.org/
The Alzheimer’s Association
http://www.alz.org