Press Release - News (April 7th, 2008)
Alzheimer's Disease Foundation Malaysia turns to blogging in their efforts to reach out to caregivers in the country!
Alzheimer's Disease Foundation Malaysia joined the bandwagon to blog in their lastest effort to reach out to caregivers in the country. Over the weekend (4th April-6th April 2008), Alzheimer's Disease Foundation Malaysia launched the blog at its National Alzheimer's Caregivers Conference 2008 at Genting Highlands.
Datin Seri Wendy Ong officially opened the Conference expressing the enormous needs out there, especially for the many who live in the more remote parts of the country, who do not have access to specialist care. Addressing over 300 participants, ADFM Patron Datin Seri Wendy Ong, who launched the three-day conference said, "We know that there is still so much that has to be done to make information more accessible to caregivers, especially those living in remote areas. With the setting up of the National Alzheimer's Caregivers Network, more information on the disease will be shared among caregivers".
The Organising Committee Chairman, Mr Ong Eng Joo said that today's conference benefited only about 300 people while we have about 250,000 caregivers all over the country, this is only 0.1% of their caregiving community! He added, "30 years ago, it would have been an insurmountable task if not impossible, to try and reach out to these 250,000 caregivers with the click of the mouse! The National Alzheimer's Caregivers Network is launched today, to strife towards this objective. We hope to make a caregiver in Gua Musang or Tawau just a whisper away from fellow caregivers and the Alzheimer's Community."
He was talking about the borderless, timeless web-based platform that was launched. Any caregiver can access our blog at their own convenience any where they are at anytime of the day. The two sites www.adfmmalaysia.blogspot.com and www.admalaysia.ning.com . He added, "We will incorporate 6 basic facilities in the blog"
The facilities are :-
• Dissemination of Information & Sharing of Information
• Exchange of Ideas
• Helpline Capabilities
• One-to-one or One-to-all Communication Capabilities
• News & Events Updates
• Chatroom Facilities
Seminar Sessions
During the Conference, specialists from as far as the United Kingdom presented their talk. The theme of the conference was, "Hope for the Future – Working Together for Better Dementia Care" . The talks were selected with a biase towards the practical aspects of caregiver.
Dr Lee Fatt Soon's presentation on "Understanding & Treating Difficult Dementia Behavior" highlights the importance of understanding the difficult behavior displayed by people suffering from Alzheimer's and why such behavior takes place, before we can address the problem.
Dr Esther Ebenezer spoke on, "Principles for Understanding & Communicating with a Person with Dementia" emphasises that effective communication with a person with dementia can only be effective if we know and understand the principles behind each situation.
Sharon Soon handled, "Caring for someone with dementia in the Home Environment". She gived a very practical aspect of caring for and loving someone with dementia stressing on safety aspects.
Dr Suraya Yusoff touched on, "The Darker Side of Alzheimer's Disease". There are a lot of difficult decisions that has to be made, decisions that even specialists will not be able to make for you. Family members have to really discuss pertinent issues before they can make such difficult decisions.
Dr Yau Weng Keong spoke on the favourite topic, "Latest Development In Preventive Intervention, Treatment & Therapies" Everything you want to know and need to know was clearly explained.
Willie Kwa shared his extensive experience in, "The Realities of Life with Dementia" touching on very practical facts that people with dementia and those caring for them have to come to terms with.
Tracy Chan gave practical aspects of , "Physical Care and Mobility for the Alzheimer's Patients" on how to handle and move patients around.
The Panel Discussion attracted a lot of interest until the Chairman had to stop the discussion as time was running out.
Prof Philip Poi summaries all the talks that has been presented in, "Fundamental Issues in Dementia Care", issues that are pertinent and has to be addressed.
Further Information
Anyone who needs further information on the Conference can contact us at Alzheimer's Disease Foundation Malaysia at 03-2260 3158 or 03-2274 9060 or Fax 03-2273 8493 and ask for Janet or Kat. After the clearance from our speakers we will post some materials on the conference on our blog.
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