DEMENTIA HOMECARE CENTRE @ TELOK PANGLIMA GARANG KUALA LANGAT, SELANGOR, MALAYSIA

Dear Caregivers / Members,

We are very pleased to announce that Dementia Homecare Centre Sdn Bhd, an affiliate of the Alzheimer’s Disease Foundation Malaysia (ADFM) has started operating it’s DEMENTIA HOME CARE CENTRE at Telok Panglima Garang, Kuala Langat, Selangor, since April 2011, to take in your loved ones afflicted with AD or Dementias.

In addition, ADFM at present operates 2 Daycare Centres - One in KUALA LUMPUR and the other in Section 11, PETALING JAYA.

Our affiliates:

JOHORE BAHRU, Johore Bahru Alzheimer’s Disease Support Association (JOBADA) has been operating a Daycare Centre for some years now.
IPOH, Dementia Society Perak, our latest, is in the process of starting one, and
MELAKA is also working on having a Centre.

ADFM’s long term objective is to encourage and help the setting up of Daycare Centres in every State to serve their local communities.

The main purpose of Daycare Centres is to provide respite care for carers of people afflicted with Alzheimer’s Disease or other Dementias so that they may fulfill other duties. The Centres also act as training ground for family carers including maids who accompany our clients coming for day care.

Over the years, many family members/carers of our Daycare Clients have voiced the need for longer term caring of their loved ones as they sometimes need to travel/cannot provide care due to work commitments, etc. ADFM now has an opportunity to operate a Dementia Homecare Centre at Telok Panglima Garang in Kuala Langat District, Selangor, to provide long term care on the clear understanding that our Nurse Managers will first conduct assessment to decide if we can care for a particular client.

Our Dementia Homecare Centre Provides:

1. Peaceful, serene surroundings for your loved ones in the midst of greenery and fresh air. We are near Carey Island and not far from the sea, hence the breezy atmosphere.

2. Live in un-crowded space as we intend to keep our numbers low and manageable despite the large and spacious premise and compound.

3. Daily mind and body stimulating exercises, games and activities will be our motto.

4. Care initially provided by a team of 4-5 live-in qualified and trained Staff Nurses led by an experienced Senior Staff Nurse. The nursing and carer staff will grow with increasing clients.

5. We require that family members keep in close touch with their loved ones and visit them regularly.

6. Regular visits by Consultant Psychiatrist Dr John Tan Jin Teong, ex UMMC, now in private practice.

7. Meals:
Breakfast - 8.00am
Mid-Morning Milo - 10.30am
Lunch - 12 Noon
Afternoon Coffee/Tea - 3.30pm
Dinner - 6.30pm
Night Cap - 8.30pm

For more information and details, please contact:

Dementia Homecare Centre
PT 715, Jalan Pandan 26, 42500 Telok Panglima Garang, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Tel: 03-3122 6908

Head Office & PJ Daycare Centre, No. 6 Lorong 11/8E, 46200 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan
Tel: 603 7956 2008/7958 3008 Fax: 603 7960 8482 Email adfmsec@streamyx.com
Website: www.adfm.org.my
Company Registration No. 441890-T Tax Exemption No: 13408

KL Daycare Centre, 9A Lorong Bukit Raja, Taman Seputeh, 58000 Kuala Lumpur. Tel: 603 2260 3158

STUDY: FALLS MAY BE A SIGN OF ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE

Falls in an older person could mean more than poor balance or clumsiness, New Research suggets they might be an early sign of Alzheimer's disease.

People who seemed to have healthy minds but who were discovered to have hidden plaques clogging their brains were five times more likely to fall during a six-month study than others without these brain deposits. The deposits are a sign of Alzheimer's.

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis said their work suggests that older people who fall for no apparent reason should be checked for signs of dementia.

The study was discussed at the current Alzheimer's Conference held in Paris.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE and below is an earlier report from the researchers.

Australian scientists are reporting encouraging early results from an eye test they hope will create a simple way to detect signs of Alzheimer's disease.

The test is experimental and needs more study. But doctors know that Alzheimer's causes changes in the eyes, not just the brain. Other researchers in the United States also are working on an eye test for the disease.

"It's a small study" but "suggestive and encouraging," one of the American Researchers, Dr. Lee Goldstein of Boston University, said of the Australian work. "My hat's off to them for looking outside the brain for other areas where we might see other evidence of this disease."

Shaun Frost of Australia's National Science Agency, CSIRO, discussed the test at the current session of Alzheimer's Association International Conference in France.

More than 5.4 million Americans and 35 million people worldwide have Alzheimer's, the most common form of dementia. Brain scans can find evidence of it a decade or more before it causes memory and thinking problems but they're too expensive and impractical for routine use. Doctors and families need easier ways to tell who is developing the disease, so a simple eye test could be a big help.

It involves photographing blood vessels in the retina, the nerve layer lining the back of the eyes. Drops are used to dilate a patient eyes, just as they are in a routine exam.

Researchers compared retinal photos of 110 healthy people, 13 with Alzheimer's and 13 with mild cognitive impairment, or "Pre Alzheimer's," who were taking part in a larger study on aging. The widths of certain blood vessels were different in those with Alzheimer's than in the others and the amount of difference matched the amount of plaque seen on brain scans.

Earlier work by Dr Lee Goldstein showed that amyloid, the protein that makes up Alzheimer's brain plaque, can be measured in the lens of the eyes of some people with the disease, particularly Down syndrome patients who often are prone to it.

A company he holds stock in, Neuroptix, is testing a laser eye scanner to measure amyloid in the eyes.

(Source: Associated Press, 17 July 2011)

Dear Caregivers and Members,

Our KL-PJ AD Caregivers Support Group will be holding its MONTHLY CAREGIVERS SHARING SESSION & FREE TALK on:

TOPIC : “CARING AN ALZHEIMER’S PATIENT – A CAREGIVER’S PERSPECTIVE” BY GUEST SPEAKER, MS. SATIAPOORANY SUBRAMANIAM, CAREGIVER AND LECTURER FROM UKMMC

Date : Saturday, 16 July 2011

Time : 2.00p.m. to 4.30 p.m.

Venue : ADFM PJ Daycare Centre, No. 6, Lorong 11/8E, 46200 Petaling Jaya

Program:

2.00 pm : Registration

2.30 pm : Welcome Address by Support Group Committee & Announcement on:

- Forthcoming activities for our caregivers and members
- ADFM Homecare Centre @ Telok Panglima Garang, Kuala Langat, Selangor

2.45pm : “Caring An Alzheimer’s Patient – A Caregiver’s Perspective” by Ms Satiapoorany, Caregiver & Lecturer from UKMMC

3.30pm : Q&A Session

3.45pm : Caregivers Sharing Session

4.15pm : Refreshment

4.30pm : Till we meet again on 20 August 2011

SYNOPSIS:

Care-giving is a large commitment that gets bigger over time. The person will eventually need round-the-clock care. Family members may have their own health issues, jobs, and responsibilities to other family members. It is essential to make sure that the needs of the Alzheimer’s patient are met, and that the caregiver has the support to meet those needs. As a caregiver, it's common to focus so much on the person in your care that you neglect to take care of yourself. However, taking care of yourself must become a priority, so that you can live healthily and happily and can give the best care to the person with Alzheimer's disease dementia. It is important to get help and support from other family members.

Kindly confirm your attendance early by:

1. Email to jenny@adfm.org.my / Call/SMS to Mobile : 016 - 608 2513

2. Email to adfmsec@streamyx.com / Tel : 603 -7956 2008 / 7958 3008 (Janet) / 603-2260 3158 (Christine) / Fax: 603 - 7960 8482

FREE ADMISSION, ALL ARE WELCOME

From: KL-PJ AD Caregivers Support Group Committee
July 2011

"Remember - everyone has occasional memory lapses. Just because you cannot recall where you put the car keys does not mean you have Alzheimer's disease!! Only if you don't know what the keys are for - then there is problem."

Faithful Even In Adversity

Dear Caregivers,

A truly very inspiring aritcle about lesson in life from an elderly couple ........

Our special thanks to Ruby from our Penang Support Group for sharing the following with fellow caregivers and members.

I had the opportunity to visit an elderly couple recently whom I had not met for many years. The husband, whom I addressed as Uncle Sam, is an elderly gentleman in his eighties but he was physically healthy and fit. His wife is in her late seventies and was paralyzed and blind for many years. She lives confined to her room which she shares with her husband.

We made a prior telephone appointment to visit them and as expected Uncle Sam was eagerly waiting at the gate to greet me and my wife. His action was a lesson on punctuality which is rarely seen these days. I was surprised with the radiant smile on his face which reflected the feelings in his heart. I was in for greater surprise on meeting his wife in her room. Although she could not move out of her chair or see us, she was full of cheer on meeting us. She appeared pleasantly surprised at our presence. Their hospitality even in their times of difficulty was unbelievable and it touched us very much.

We talked for a long time about the past and they readily shared their experiences in their lives with us. They are staunch believers in God but they could not understand why He had to ‘punish’ them with such bitter experiences in their lives, ending up by being lonely and handicapped at this advanced age.

Although they could not understand why God has led them to the state they are in today but they contend that He knows what He is doing and that He is always right.

Uncle Sam does everything for his wife, feeding, bathing, attending to her calls of nature and above all keeping her company 24 hours a day without fail, with the aid of a maid who happens to be very wonderful person. He says he is so blessed to have such a caring maid and he is so worried as she will be leaving soon after being with them for seven years. According to the Uncle, his wife looks for him every now and then and he can hardly leave her alone to attend to the household chores.

His ‘job’ demands his full attention day after day throughout the year. There is no such thing as taking leave to relax and unwind after a hard day’s work like what we do. His greatest fear is what will happen to his handicapped wife if he is suddenly called to the Lord. That fear really makes him shiver with fright and occasionally breaks down and cries. If that happens not all the money and wealth that he may have is going to help her in this cruel world.

It made me reflect on the many foolish things we do in life to accumulate money and wealth much more than we really need. Most of these acts are driven by greed and selfishness in the process we compromise on our principles and lose our compassion for fellow men. We buy huge insurance policies for our spouse and children to make them comfortable when we leave them. But if we end up like these elderly couple, no number of such policies is going to give them the security and reassurance like our own physical presence.

In a world that is driven by greed and lust this elderly couple stand out as a shining example of love and faithfulness between a husband and wife. The husband never complained about having to take care of his disabled wife all by himself. Instead he is taking it in a stride as his sacred duty; he has done it for ten long years and is willing to continue doing so till death does them apart.

Meanwhile his wife despite being bedridden and blind for the past ten years, she is so cheerful and treasures every moment of her life with the man she loves. She is full of praise for her him saying that he never abandons her and never fails to be there when it matters most. She doesn’t curse and swear for the condition she is in but happily accepted it as a ‘blessing’ in disguise from God.

Uncle Sam then gave me his Ten principles for Peace of Mind which were derived from the various bitter experiences in his life of over 80 years.

These are:
1. Do Not Interfere In Others' Business Unless Asked.
2. Forgive And Forget
3. Do Not Crave For Recognition
4. Do Not Be Jealous
5. Change Yourself According To The Environment
6. Endure What Cannot Be Cured
7. Do Not Bite Off More Than You Can Chew
8. Meditate Regularly
9. Never Leave The Mind Vacant
10. Do Not Procrastinate And Never Regret

After spending about an hour with this fabulous elderly couple we left rather enlightened that there are much more to learn and endure in life. Life is not about making money and enjoying ourselves but to make others happy even if your own spouse.

The next day I was surprised to receive an E-mail from Uncle Sam which read, “Thank you very much for being a special part of our life” and he attached a beautiful and inspiring poem by the great Indian poet, Rabindranath Tagore entitled 'My Philosophy in Life' which I enclose below.

'MY Philosophy in Life'
Go not to the temple to put flowers at the feet of God.
First fill your own house with the fragrance of love.
Go not to the temple to light candles at the altar of God
First remove the darkness of sin from your heart
Do not go to the temple to bow down your head in prayer
First learn to bow in humility before your fellow men
Go not to the temple to pray on your bended knee
First bend down to lift someone who is down-trodden
Do not go to the temple to ask for forgiveness for your sins
First forgive from your heart those who have sinned against you
-Rabindranath Tagore-

I do not know whether I can ever emulate this elderly man with regards to his attitude towards his paralyzed and blind wife. I do not know whether I can emulate his wife by being so cheerful under the circumstances like she is in. What I have learnt from them is that I must try as that is what being a human is all about.
Dr.Chris Anthony

DVDs SALE ON LECTURES/WORKSHOPS BY KEY SPEKAERS AT 13TH APRC OF ADI IN OCTOBER 2010

Dear All,

SALE OF DVDS AND PHOTOSTATED COPIES OF BOOKS/NOTES
ON SOME LECTURES AND WORKSHOPS BY KEY SPEAKERS AT
13TH APRC OF ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE INTERNATIONAL IN OCTOBER 2010

Wishing all of you a Happy & Blessed New Year!

We are pleased to make the following announcement:

As there was some interest even before the conference, we have obtained written permission from a few key speakers to video their talks which we now offer for sale at a nominal price of RM10.00 per DVD. The hard covered Pos Ekspres envelope costs RM3.50 to all major towns in Malaysia and the five DVDs available now are:

1. Keynote Address 1: “The Pre-Mild Cognitive Impairment, Subjective Cognitive
Impairment Stage of Eventual Alzheimer’s Disease: An Opportunity for Treatment
more than Twenty Years before Dementia becomes Evident” by Prof Barry Reisberg
of NY University (USA). Good & clear visual and audio.

2. Plenary 3: “Retrogenesis – Life’s Mirror: New Ways of Understanding & Treating
Alzheimer’s Disease” by Prof Barry Reisberg. Good & clear visual and audio.

3. “Workshop on Cognitive Stimulation” by Amy Streater, a doctoral student
researcher of UCL (London) on a research project conducted under Prof Martin
Orrell of UCL.

4. “Caregivers Training and Tips for Survival” by Anne Deck & Sheila Haywood who
each have over a decade of experience in Dementia care in Western Australia. This
is a polished workshop with well rounded audience participation.

5. Pre-congress Visit to ADFM Daycare Centre PJ, Opening Ceremony & Gala Dinner.

We are also making available the following photostated copies of books/notes relevant to
the above:

1. The Pre-Mild Cognitive Impairment, Subjective Cognitive Impairment Stage of
Eventual Alzheimer’s Disease by Prof Barry Reisberg et al. (RM3.00 each)

2. Retrogenesis by Prof Barry Reisberg et al. (RM3.00 each)

3. An evidence-based group programme to offer Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST)
to people with Dementia – The Manual for group leaders. (RM8.00 each bound with
plastic cover)

4. Family and Carers’ Information Booklet from Alzheimer’s Australia WA Ltd.
(RM4.00 each)

Buyers within the Klang Valley may contact Ms Janet Low @ Tel: 03-7956 2008 to book and
arrange to pay and collect from ADFM Head Office, Rumah Alzheimer’s, No.6, Lorong 11/
8E, 46200 Petaling Jaya, Selangor.

For buyers outside of the Klang Valley we shall have to send by post and the DVDs may be
put into a hard cover Pos Ekspres envelope which cost RM3.50 whereas the photostated
books and notes will have to be charged postage cost @ RM1.00 per copy

Foreign buyers will pay in USD plus postage or courier as requested.

PLEASE PLACE YOUR ORDER EARLY WITH JANET LOW OF ADFM SECRETARIAT AT:

Email : adfmsec@streamyx .com
Telephone contact : +603 - 7956 2008
Fax: +603-7960 8482
Address : ADFM Head Office, Rumah Alzheimer’s, No.6, Lorong 11/
8E, 46200 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia


FROM: ADFM SECRETARIAT
9 JANUARY 2011

(SAT)25SEPT10 2:00PM TALK "PHARMACOLOGICAL TREATMENT FOR DEMENTIA” BY DR LIM POH HIN FROM UPM

Dear Members and the Public,

ADFM KL-PJ AD Caregivers Support Group Committee is having its monthly gathering and a talk by Dr Lim Poh Hin from UPM on:

Topic : “PHARMACOLOGICAL TREATMENT FOR DEMENTIA”

Day/Date : Saturday, 25 September 2010
Time : 2:00PM
Venue : ADFM Daycare Center at No. 6, Lorong 11/8E, Section 11 46200 Petaling Jaya

REGISTRATION

Prior registration is required, on first-come first-served basis. Kindly confirm your attendance to:

1. Email : jenny@adfm.org.my, OR

2. Email : adfmsec@streamyx.com, OR
3. ADFM Secretariat at Tel: 603 – 7956 2008 / 7958 3008

PROGRAM

2:00pm–2:30pm : Registration
2:30pm–3:15pm : “Pharmacological Treatment for Dementia” by Dr Lim Poh Hin
3:15pm-3:45pm : Q&A
3:45pm-4:00pm : Caregivers Sharing Session
4:00pm : Refreshments.

SYNOPSIS

Dr Lim will speak on the pharmacological interventions available for slowing the progression of Alzheimer’s Disease and new advances in the work, including:
- Current understanding of Physiological Mechanism in Dementia
- Overview of Medications Used for Dementia
- Neurobehavioral Symptom Control
- Complications & Side Effects
- Brief Look at Complementary/Alternative Medicine Therapeutic Options

SPEAKER’S PROFILE

Dr Lim Poh Hin holds a Bachelor of Science:
- In Applied Biological Sciences 1989 (Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Massachusetts, USA)
- Doctor of Medicine 1995 (Columbia University, New York, USA)
- Completed Neurology Residency 1999 and Neuro Rehabilitation Clinical Fellowship 2001 (Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA)
- Diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology (Adult Neurology) 2003 (USA)
- Listed in the American Board of Medical Specialties since 2003
- Lecturer in Department of Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia since 2003 & current Head of the Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, UPM.


From: KL-PJ AD Caregivers Support Group Committee

26 JUNE 2010 (SATURDAY) ADFM Countryside Outing Day Trip for Durian & Fruits Party at Telok Panglima Garang, Kuala Langat District, Selangor

Dear Caregivers and Members,

ADFM is organizing a countryside outing day trip for the Durian & Fruits Party at the proposed Alzheimer’s Home Care Centre at Kuala Langat on Saturday, 26 June 2010. We will be arriving there around 10:30am and leaving for Kuala Lumpur at 2:00pm.

Details:

DURIAN & FRUITS PARTY

Day/Date : Saturday, 26 June 2010

Venue : Proposed Alzheimer’s Home Care Centre, Telok Panglima Garang, Kuala Langat

Departure Time : 9:30AM SHARP

Departure Venue : We have chartered two aircond buses

(1) 1 bus leaving ADFM PJ Day Care Centre at No. 6, Lorong 11/8E,

Section 11, 46200 Petaling Jaya.

(2) 1 bus leaving ADFM Taman Seputeh Day Care Centre at 9A, Lorong Bukit Raja, Taman Seputeh, 58000 Kuala Lumpur.

Registration : You are requested to register early.

Email to adfmsec@streamyx.com, providing the following details:

(1) Name/s

(2) I/C No

(3) Home Address

(4) Telephone Contacts – Home or Mobile

OR call ADFM at Tel: 603-7956 2008 / 7958 3008

Proposed Alzaheimer’s Home Care Centre at Telok Panglima Garang, Kuala Langat

ADFM have been offered a 5+5 year lease for a huge 2-storey bungalow on a 1 acre manicured and walled-in garden for RM1.00 per annum but we pay for its maintenance.

As the location is roughly half way between Klang and Banting in a rural setting, we do not think it is practical to offer Daycare and are therefore considering offering Live-in Home Care for clients with Dementia. It presently has 3-4 old folks living there (not with Dementia).

To let people know of this new facility which will come on stream in a few months, probably after the 13th APRC in October, ADFM are inviting:

(1) Doctor friends and their families

(2) Support Group members

(3) Rotary Club of Shah Alam and possibly Klang Rotary Club members

to visit the place and enjoy the fruits of Kuala Langat District. Those who cannot live on fruits alone can have a packet of nasi lemak.

See all of you soon !!!

ADFM – Alzheimer’s Disease Foundation Malaysia

Saturday, 17 April 2010 - On Day Training Course on "One Day Training Course on "Dementia Care - Quality of Life Approach"

Dear Caregivers/Members,

ADFM is organizing a One Day Training Course on "Dementia Care - Quality of Life Approach" on Saturday, 17 April 2010.

Details:
Title: Dementia Care – “Quality of Life Approach”
Date: Saturday, 17 April 2010
Time: 9:00am to 4:30pm
Venue: Rumah Alzheimer’s at No. 6, Lorong 11/8E, Petaling Jaya

PROGRAMME
09.00am–09.30am : Arrival of Participants & Registration
09.30am–09.35am : Welcome Address by Datuk Dr Yim Khai Kee, Chairman, Executive Committee, ADFM
09.35am-10.15am : Challenges of Dementia by Mr Wille Kwa, Retired Nursing Manager, UK
10.15am-10.45am : Normal Ageing

10.45am–11.00am : Coffee Break

11.00am–11.30am : Handling of Elderly by Ms Tracy Chan, B. App Sc. (Physiotherapy), University of Sydney
11.30am–12.15pm : Dementia Care Based on “Quality of Life Approach”
12.15pm–12.30pm : Q & A

12.30 pm–01.30pm : Lunch Break

01.30pm–02.15pm : Brain and Behaviour Video + Commentaries
02.15pm–03.00pm : Behaviour Management
03.00pm–03.45pm : Activity Principles for Dementia Care
03.45pm–04.30pm : Quality Checklist on Dementia Care Services
04.30pm–04.45pm : Q & A
04.45pm : Tea and Adjourn

Trainer: Mr Willie Kwa resides in UK and is a member of the Alzheimer’s Disease Foundation Malaysia Executive Committee. He is also a Retired Mental Health Practitioner and a member of the West Norfolk Branch Alzheimer’s Society, UK.

Synopsis:
People with Dementia, despite their disabilities and changes due to the illness are able to experience pleasure and satisfaction. The disease does not remove a person's ability to appreciate, respond to and experience feelings such as pain, anger, fear, joy, love or sadness. Quality of life approach to care is one way of ensuring these abilities of a person are sustained throughout the course of the illness and that of the caregiver.

Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI) has identified raising awareness of dementia among the general population and among health workers and all care givers as a global priority, therefore, it is for us who are privileged to have the knowledge to ensure dementia awareness is heightened where and when possible.

Registration:
Those interested are requested to register and pay early due to limited space. Attendance will be registered with a donation of RM20/- per participant.

Please contact Janet/Kwan/Sim at Tel: 603 - 7956 2008 for registration and payment.

Closing Date Friday, 9 April 2010.

Training Course : Dementia Care-Quality of Life Approach

Dear Caregivers/Members,

ADFM is organizing a one day training course on "Dementia Care-Quality of Life Approach" on 17 April 2010.

Details:

Title: Dementia Care – “Quality of Life Approach”

Date: Saturday, 17 April 2010

Time: 9:00am to 4:30pm

Venue: Rumah Alzheimer’s at No. 6, Lorong 11/8E, Petaling Jaya

Trainer: Mr Willie Kwa resides in UK and is a member of the Alzheimer’s Disease Foundation Malaysia Executive Committee. He is also a Retired Mental Health Practitioner and a member of the West Norfolk Branch Alzheimer’s Society, UK.

Synopsis:

People with Dementia, despite their disabilities and changes due to the illness are able to experience pleasure and satisfaction. The disease does not remove a person's ability to appreciate, respond to and experience feelings such as pain, anger, fear, joy, love or sadness. Quality of life approach to care is one way of ensuring these abilities of a person are sustained throughout the course of the illness and that of the caregiver.

Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI) has identified raising awareness of dementia among the general population and among health workers and all care givers as a global priority, therefore, it is for us who are privileged to have the knowledge to ensure dementia awareness is heightened where and when possible.

PROGRAMME

09.00am–09.30am : Arrival of Participants & Registration

09.30am–09.35am : Welcome Address by Datuk Dr Yim Khai Kee, Chairman, Executive Committee, ADFM

09.35am-10.15am : Challenges of Dementia by Mr Wille Kwa, Retired Nursing Manager, UK

10.15am-10.45am : Normal Ageing

10.45am–11.00am : Coffee Break

11.00am–11.30am : Handling of Elderly by Ms Tracy Chan, B. App Sc. (Physiotherapy), U of Sydney

11.30am–12.15pm : Dementia Care Based on “Quality of Life Approach”

12.15pm–12.30pm : Q & A

12.30 pm–01.30pm : Lunch Break

01.30pm–02.15pm : Brain and Behaviour Video + Commentaries

02.15pm–03.00pm : Behaviour Management

03.00pm–03.45pm : Activity Principles for Dementia Care

03.45pm–04.30pm : Quality Checklist on Dementia Care Services

04.30pm–04.45pm : Q & A

04.45pm : Tea and Adjourn

Those interested are requested to register and pay early due to limited space. Attendance will be registered with a donation of RM20/- per participant. Please contact Janet/Kwan/Sim at Tel: 603 7956 2008 or Email: adfmsec@streamyx.com for registration and payment.

Closing Date Friday, 9 April 2010.

DOES LIGHT THERAPY HELP ALZHEIMER'S PATIENTS SLEEP?

Many people with Alzheimer's have trouble sleeping, which can leave them exhausted during the day. Fatigue takes a toll on both patients and their caregivers. Indeed, irregular sleeping is a major reason why families move relatives with Alzheimer's into long-term care. Light therapy is a promising treatment under investigation for people with Alzheimer’s who struggle with sleep.

Alzheimer's patients who have trouble sleeping should first be evaluated for underlying sleep disorders and medical conditions that cause sleep trouble. Also, stopping medications that affect sleep or switching to more tolerable drugs may help.

No studies have found that conventional sleep aids, like Ambien (zolpidem) and Sonata (zaleplon), or sedative antidepressant medications like trazodone (Desyrel) effectively treat disturbed sleep in Alzheimer's patients. And supplements that boost levels of melatonin (a hormone that makes people feel tired) have limited effect, perhaps because Alzheimer's patients have fewer melatonin receptors in the brain than people without dementia.

Light therapy - regular exposure to sunlight or special bright lamps that mimic natural light - is another option. Exposure to bright light signals to the brain that it is daytime and helps set the body's circadian rhythms -- regular mental and biological changes that occur over a 24-hour cycle and regulate important functions, like preparing the body for sleep at night.

How well does light therapy work for Alzheimer’s patients? In a three-week study from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 66 adults with dementia living in long-term care facilities were exposed for varying amounts of time to bright ceiling lights installed in common areas.

Compared with participants who did not spend time under the lights, those who were exposed to light therapy for two and a half hours in the morning slept 16 minutes longer; those who were exposed for about eight and a half hours off and on throughout the day slept 14 minutes longer. The morning group was also able to fall asleep 29 minutes earlier, which is important since Alzheimer's patients often can't fall asleep until late at night.

But not all studies have produced positive results, and there are questions about the appropriate dosage. The amount of light prescribed for other conditions may not be sufficient for older patients with Alzheimer's; eyes transmit less light with age, and visual problems are particularly common in patients with Alzheimer's disease.

While researchers have yet to determine the ultimate benefits of light therapy or how much is needed to have an effect, "It's still reasonable to encourage people with Alzheimer's to stay in well-lit areas during the day," says Peter Rabins, M. D., Director of Geriatric Psychiatry and Neuropsychiatry at Johns Hopkins.

This may be more practical than purchasing specialized equipment, he notes. "The light-therapy boxes used by people with disorders like depression require sitting still in front of a bright lamp, and this can be a challenge for those with Alzheimer's." Spending time outside in the morning may be a convenient way to produce similar effects.

More Tips for Caregivers. The Alzheimer's Association offers these tips for better sleep:

• Maintain regular meal times and sleep schedules.

• Discourage alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine use.

• Encourage daily exercise (but no later than 4 hours before bedtime)

• Don't give Alzheimer's drugs before bedtime.

• Discourage watching TV or staying in bed during wakeful periods.

(Source: John Hopkins Health Alerts, 14 December 2009)