WHAT IS APHASIA: WORD JUMBLES IN ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE

Aphasia (ah-FA-ze-ah) is a language disorder that affects a person’s ability to communicate. "Aphasia" is a general term used to refer to deficits in language functions, such as speaking, understanding what others are saying, and naming common objects. It is caused by damage to the portions of the brain that are responsible for language.

Aphasia is not a disease, but a symptom of brain damage. The type and severity of language dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease is somewhat random, as it depends on the precise location and extent of the damaged brain tissue.

Alzheimer's Disease (AD) & Aphasia

Alzheimer's disease symptoms fall into two categories:

ü   Cognitive (Intellectual) Symptoms

ü   Psychiatric Symptoms

The Cognitive Symptoms include "The 4 Cognitive 'A's of Alzheimer's Disease". These are:

·                Aphasia

·                Apraxia

·                Agnosia

·                Amnesia

4 Types of Aphasia:

Generally, aphasia can be divided into four broad categories:

1.   Expressive Aphasia involves difficulty in conveying thoughts through speech or writing. The persons know what they want to say, but cannot find the words they need. Expressive aphasia may be non-fluent, in which case a person has trouble:

Ø   Finding the right words

Ø   Saying more than one word or phrase at a time

Ø   Speaking overall 

Another kind of expressive aphasia is fluent aphasia. Persons who have fluent aphasia may be able to put many words together. But what they say may not make sense. They are often unaware that they are not making sense.

2.   Receptive Aphasia involves difficulty understanding spoken or written language. The person hears the voice or sees the print but cannot make sense of the words.

3.   Anomic or Amnesia Aphasia is the least severe form of aphasia. In this type of aphasia, the person has difficulty in using the correct names for particular objects, people, places, or events.

4.   Global Aphasia results from severe and extensive damage to the language areas of the brain.  The person loses almost all language function, both comprehension and expression. They cannot speak or understand speech, nor can read or write.

Therapy:

Language Therapy can help and should be tailored to the individual needs of the person. Rehabilitation with a speech pathologist involves extensive exercises in which the persons read, write, follow directions, and repeat what they hear. Computer-aided therapy may supplement standard language therapy.

Care Tips:

There are simple ways to keep distractions and noise down, such as:

ü   Turn off background music, news or TV.

ü   Move to a quieter room.

Always assume that the person with aphasia is listening and understanding. Talk in adult language, never make them feel like children. 

If they cannot understand you, do not shout. Unless the person also has a hearing problem, shouting will not help. Make eye contact when talking to them.

When asking questions:

·                Ask yes/no questions.

·                Give clear choices for possible answers. Do not offer too many choices.

·                Visual cues help.

When giving instructions:

Ø   Break them down into small, simple steps.

Ø   Allow time for the person to understand. Sometimes this can be a lot longer than you expect.

Ø   If frustrated, consider switching activities.

Encourage a person with aphasia to communicate in other ways, such as:

v   Pictures

v   Pointing

v    Hand gestures

It may help everyone to have a book of pictures or words about common topics or people. This can make communication a lot easier.

Generally, it is a good idea to keep them involved in conversations. Check to make sure they understand, without pushing too hard or causing more frustration.

Do not correct when they remember a thing incorrectly.

When leaving anyone with speech problems by themselves, make sure they have ID with:

ü   Contact information of family members or caregivers.

ü   An explanation of their speech problem and basics on communicating.

Questions for your Doctor or Nurse:

Take a few minutes to write your own questions for the next time you see your healthcare provider:

ü   How long will I need therapy?

ü   Will my aphasia go away?

ü   How can I find a stroke or aphasia support group?

Care Tips:

How can family, friends and caregivers help?

A person with aphasia and family members will need the help and support of a doctor, counsellor and speech pathologist. It's a good idea for family and friends to:

Ø   Be open about the problem so people can understand.

Ø   Set up a daily routine for the person with aphasia that includes rest and time to practice skills.

Ø   Use sentences that are short and to the point.

Ø   Stand where the person with aphasia can see you.

Ø   Treat the person as an adult, keeping him or her involved in all possible routines. No one likes to be ignored. Include the person in your conversation.

Ø   Help the person with aphasia cope with feelings of frustration and depression.

Ø   Be patient with the person with aphasia. Give them the time they need to try to speak and get their point across to you. This respects their dignity.

Ø   Talk to your doctor, nurse or other healthcare professionals.

(Source:  Alzheimer’s and Dementia Weekly, 8 December 2015)

7NOV15 and 21NOV15 - Two Days Dementia Care Training Workshop "Living with Dementia"

Alzheimer's Disease Foundation Malaysia (ADFM) will be conducting a Two-Day Dementia Care Training Workshop, comprising of 4-Modules, as follows:

Date: 

Saturday, 7 November 15 - Module One & Module Two

Saturday, 21 November 15 - Module Three & Module Four 

Duration of Workshop:   8.30am to 6.00pm (8 hours each over two full days)

Venue:  ADFM PJ Day-Care Centre, No. 6,  Lorong 11/8E, Seksyen 11, 46200 PJ.

Group Size:  Limited to 20 – 24 participants only

Objectives:  This informative and interactive Training Workshop comprising of following 4 Modules is designed to equip the caregivers with a deeper understanding of dementia on a person-centered approach to care, practical skills in responding to and handling the different challenges, and to make a difference to the life of a person with dementia.

Module One - Understanding of Dementia

Module Two - Behavioural Effects of Dementia

Module Three - Effective Communication Skills

Module Four - Activities for Living and Pleasure

Workshop Leaders: 

(1)  Ms Sharon Soon, Nurse Consultant for Aged Care and Psychogeriatric Care, accredited Educator in Palliative Care Nursing.

(2)  Dr Elizabeth Chong, Geriatrician

(3)  Dr Khor Hui Min, Geriatrician 

Target participants:  Family caregivers and individuals caring for people with dementia. 

Certificate of Attendance:  Will be issued on request.

Fee: 

§  RM100  per participant for family caregivers   

§  RM150 per participant for other individuals

Registration:  Email completed Registration form to jenny@adfm.org.my.

Payment:  Payment can be by cash or cheque, and bank in direct to ADFM Bank Account with CIMB at Account No. 800 229 3277.  Email copy of payment slip to jenny@adfm.org.my for confirmation of registration and accounting record.   

More information:  Contact Jenny at Tel: 03 7931 5850 / 016 608 2513 or email jenny@adfm.org.my.

We look forward to having you at the workshop. 

Kind regards.

MEMORY WALK “REMEMBER ME”

SUNDAY, 20 SEPTEMBER 2015

7.30AM – 12.00PM

BUKIT JALIL RECREATIONAL PARK

Lebuhraya Bukit Jalil, Bukit Jalil, 57000 Kuala Lumpur

(ENTRANCE – GATE 3) 

Alzheimer’s Disease Foundation Malaysia (ADFM) jointly with Rotary Club Sri Petaling and University Malaya’s MeLor, and supported by Eisai Malaysia, is having a MEMORY WALK to commemorate the fourth global World Alzheimer’s Month in September this year under the Theme ‘REMEMBER ME”, to raise greater awareness of this rapidly growing disease and reduce the stigma that surrounds dementia.     

Based on UN statistical projections for Malaysia, the number of people with dementia will grow to over 261 thousand by 2030 and 590 thousand by the year 2050.  Current estimate of those affected is 123 thousand.

The Theme “REMEMBER ME” is dedicated to Caregivers and their loved ones living with dementia, and remembering those who have passed away. 

JOIN THE MEMORY WALK to raise public awareness of this crippling disease and reduce the stigma attached to dementia.  Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) and Dementia can affect anyone of us or our loved ones.

PROGRAM:

7.30am	Warming Up Exercise by Jumpstart Fitness First
8.00am	Flag 0ff – 2km for AD Persons, and 5KM for Public (No worries!  If you can’t complete the 5km Fun Walk, your support and presence is more important J
9.00am	Collect Food and Drink
9.15am-12.00pm	Free Health Screening by UMMC Geriatric Team of Doctors & Nurses together with Nurses from MNA UMMC Branch
9.30am	Zumba Exercise
12.00pm	End (those who wish to leave early, they can do so)

Confirmation of Registration:  Email the RegistrationForm to jenny@adfm.org.my for confirmation, on first come first-served basis. 

Registration Fee:  RM20 per participant.  AD Persons FREE. (First 500 participants will get T-Shirt, Cap, Goody Bag, Drink & Food).    

Payment:  Refers to Registration Form. 

Enquiry:  Contact Jenny / Michael at Tel:  03 7931 5850 / 016 608 2513 or Email: jenny@adfm.org.my.

Kindly help to circulate to all your family members, friends, business associates, senior community clubs and social network for support. 

MEMORY WALK

Hurry, Sign Up Early !!

 See you at Bukit Jalil Recreational Park on 20 September soon !!!

Best wishes,

Memory Walk Organizing Team

SAT/12SEPT15 ADFM Public Carers Forum To Commemorate World Alzheimer's Month In September

CARERS' FORUM

Saturday, 12 September 2015

Time:  2.30pm – 5.00pm

Venue:  ADFM PJ Day-Care Centre, No. 6, Lorong 11/8E

Seksyen 11, 46200 Petaling Jaya

ADFM, jointly with Eisai Malaysia and University Malaya’s MeLOR, is organizing a “CARERS’ FORUM” in conjunction with the global commemoration of World Alzheimer’s Month in September under the Theme “REMEMBER ME”. 

All caregivers and their families are cordially invited to this Free Carers’ Forum.  

The caregiver or family member of a person who has Alzheimer’s Disease faces many challenges and experiences enormous stress, both in adjusting to their new role while coping with the profound changes in a loved one. The Carers’ Forum aims to address the plight and issues surrounding the caregiver with particular emphasis on Person Centred Care in Dementia Cases.

Dr Donald Yeo, a Clinical Neuropsychologist from Singapore (see profile below), will be conducting the Forum. Dr Yeo has a special interest in the psychological aspects of ageing and dementia and is a well-known advocate of and authority on Person Centred Care (PCC) in dementia cases.

After Dr Yeo’s explanation of the concept and principles of PCC, invited caregivers will share their experiences as a basis for discussion regarding the application of PCC principles and how best to achieve PCC goals in specific cases. 

Our Medical Specialists in the Panel, Dr Lee Fatt Soon from HKL and Assoc Prof Dr Chin Ai Vyrn from UMMC will also address care-giving issues raised by the participants.

Profile of Dr Donald Yeo

DPsych(ClinNeuro) (Australia), BSc(Hons)(Psychology) (UK), Dip(Applied Psychology) (UK), MSc(Innovation) (Singapore)

Dr DONALD YEO qualified as a Clinical Neuropsychologist (Doctor of Psychology) with a special interest in aging and dementia. Through 18 years of professional practice, advanced training, clinical research and supervision, he has established deep expertise in cognitive evaluation of patients with brain disorders and providing psychological support for family caregivers. He has co-created innovative Arts and Health community programs to benefit elderly persons with early cognitive decline. He is currently in private practice, supervises Masters in Clinical Psychology interns from National University of Singapore and James Cook University Singapore, and was previously Principal Neuropsychologist at Singapore General Hospital, Department of Neurology.

Admission will be by compulsory registration on a first come first served basis due to limited places.

Confirmation of Registration, Email the RegistrationForm to jenny@adfm.org.my or Fax to 03 7960 8482.  For clarification, contact  Jenny or Michael  at 03 7931 5850 or 016 608 2513.

From:  ADFM WAM Organizing Team 

SAT/12SEPT15 Public Awareness Seminar "Dementia In An Aging Society" Jointly By ADFM, Eisai Malaysia and MeLOR, University Malaya

PUBLIC DEMENTIA AWARENESS SEMINAR

“DEMENTIA IN AN AGING SOCIETY”

Saturday, 12 September 2015

Time:  8.45am – 12.30pm

Venue:  Klinikal Auditorium, Faculty of Medicine

University Malaya, Jalan University, Petaling Jaya

ADFM, jointly with Eisai Malaysia and UM MeLOR, is organizing a FREE Public Demenia Awareness Seminar in conjunction with the global commemoration of World Alzheimer’s Month in September under the Theme "REMEMBER ME".

The Topics to be covered by our pool of Medical Specialists are:

7.30am	Registration of Attendance
9.00am	Welcome Address by ADFM Exco, Honorary Chairman,  Datuk Dr Yim Khai Kee
9.10am	Alzheimer’s Disease in the Setting of An Aging Society by Dr Lee Fatt Soon from HKL
9.50am	Alzheimer’s Disease : Causes and Pathway by Dr Yau Weng Keong from HKL
10.30am	Break for Refreshment
10.50am	Alzheimer’s Disease : Risk Factors and Preventive Interventions by Dr Elizabeth Chong from HKL
11.30am	Latest Development on Medication & Treatments by Dr Chin Ai Vyrn of UMMC/UMSC
12.10pm	Q & As Session
12.40pm	End

The Public is cordially invited to this free Public Awareness Seminar,   Admission will be by compulsory registration on a first come first served basis. (Certificate of Attendance will be issued to healthcare professionals and allied healthcare workers upon request).

Confirmation of Registration, Email the Registration Form to jenny@adfm.org.my or Fax to 03 7960 8482.

Further information, contact Jenny or Michael at 03 7931 5850 or 016 608 2513.

From:  ADFM WAM Organizing Team