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Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Rules and regulation of the blog

Let me remind you all that this blog is dedicated to the topic of Alzheimer disease and related disorder, just to inform, discuss and debate. Non commercial,non political, non religious one.
No cure can be proposed, no medication, no industry is supported. The blog is not responsible for any commercial enterprise or proposition to anyone and doesn't support such attempt.

Sunday, June 14, 2009

the 15th National Conference of Alzheimer’s & Related Disorders Society of India in Kolkata on "Dementia Solidarity”

It is our sincere pleasure and privilege to invite you to the 15th National Conference of Alzheimer’s & Related Disorders Society of India in Kolkata. "Dementia Solidarity” is the Theme of the Conference – ARDSICON 09.

The Kolkata Chapter of India’s Dementia platform ARDSI is getting ready to host you and be witness to the uncovering of a remarkable social Solidarity for the urgent mission: “Remember Those Who Cannot Remember.”

ARDSI’s annual conference is the only one in India that brings together scientists, clinicians, care professionals, family carers, volunteers and people with Dementia as well as various other stakeholders. This multidisciplinary event will provide a unique opportunity to examine achievements and priorities in Dementia care.

ADI is raising awareness about the global impact of Dementia and calls for recognition of Dementia as a global health priority. We live in a world where there is one new case of Dementia every seven seconds. The globe is facing an epidemic as the number of people with Dementia is projected to spurt from 30 million to 100 million by 2050.

With this conference we have an opportunity to engage all communities around the world and truly make Dementia a global health and social priority.

Caring for people with Dementia and their families is a joint responsibility of all those who can still reason and remember. We hope this event inspires you to make a difference to the lives of those affected by Dementia.

Once referred to as “The Jewel in the Crown of the British Raj”, Kolkata is a city that throbs with vibrant life forces. It is an epitome of culture and creativity that nurtures and rejuvenates your thinking prowess.

No other city in India enjoys such visible contrast, as does the City of Joy of Lapierre. The quaint little fishing village has grown up to become the most populated city of India bearing the scars of more than three hundred years. It is truly an enigma that defies any description.

It’s THE place to make friends with, to be romantic, to taste rosogolla, to sing a song, to write a poem, to debate, to ride a bus, to walk in the rain, to shop, to play cricket, to watch football, to get refused by a taxi, to live in the warmth of your family, to have a golden heart and to be happy!

Love it or hate it, you can never ignore its enticing allure.

We look forward to welcoming you to Kolkata for yet another interesting and stimulating conference in December 2009.

Sincerely,

Dr. N N Sarangi
Chairman, ARDSICON ’09

Dr. T K Banerjee
Secretary, ARDSICON ’09


Venue:
Hyatt Regency Kolkata
JA-1 Sector III, Salt Lake City,
Kolkata, India 700 098


Date:
4th, 5th & 6th December 2009


Conference Secretariat: Ankur, P-5 Regent Estate, Kolkata 700 092, West Bengal, India
Email: ardsicon09@gmail.com Phone: +91 33 32017044, +91-9831394012

Organised by:
ARDSI, Calcutta Chapter

a one-year part-time DIPLOMA IN GERONTOLOGY-TATA Institute INDIA

The Centre for Lifelong Learning at the Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai announces a one-year part-time DIPLOMA IN GERONTOLOGY (A Course to Work with Older Adults) that will be conducted from Monday to Friday from 5.30 p.m. to 8.30 p.m. at TISS. The Course Duration is from June 2008 to April, 2009.

Goals of the Diploma Programme in Gerontology:

To prepare learners for interdisciplinary practice with older adults and their families while providing professional leadership in the field of Gerontology.

To generate a trained cadre of functionaries for effective intervention based on a Human Rights perspective for enhancing the 'Quality of Life' of Older Adults

I also request you to kindly spread word about the Programmes amongst your associates in order to enable those interested enlist for the same. The Prospectus and application forms for the Programme can be obtained from the TISS website (www.tiss.edu)

The last day of submission is 12 June.


APPLY :
Centre for Lifelong Learning
(Ms. Sabiha Vasi/ Prof. Nasreen Rustomfram - 092233 00722)
or
Short Term Programmes Section (Section Officer)
Tata Institute of Social Sciences
Deonar, Mumbai 400 088
Call:022- 25525682 / 25525681
Email: stp@tiss.edu ; extramural@tiss.edu ; sabiha_v@tiss.edu ; nasreen_r@tiss.edu
Website: www.tiss.edu

Now, a manifesto for senior citizens - India

Monday, March 30th, 2009 AT 3:03 PM
Tags: Pune, senior citizens, Lok Sabha election, voting, political agenda, organisation
Close...

Senior citizens constitute 7.5 per cent of the total population of India and 13 per cent of the total number of voters


PUNE: Who says that senior citizens are not enthusiastic about elections and voting? The elderly, who are neglected on political agenda too, has their own demands. A non-profit organisation Silver Innings Foundation has appealed to senior citizens to come together and demand their rights.

The organisation has given a wake-up call for elderly people to help themselves by shedding the lethargic attitude towards general elections and voting for a candidate caring for them. Senior citizens are often ignored by mainstream society.

Silver Innings Foundation has come up with a manifesto of senior citizens, which underlines the urgency of formation of a Ministry for the Elderly: “There is a ministry for women, children, environment, but no ministry for senior citizens, who represent 7.5 per cent of the population. Currently, the elderly are just part of the overloaded Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.”


more at : http://www.sakaaltimes.com/2009/03/30153350/Now-a-manifesto-for-senior-ci.html

Silver innings Dementia Management Services- INDIA

This service we thought was an need of hour ,as there are few care centres for Dementia and Aging in place the UN motto.

Under this service we will:

Supervise and monitor Mental Health of the person
We will visit once a week
We will help the family as resource person for other medical problems
We will plan activity for the person
We will take help of Medical professionals where ever required
Initial Diet advice,for long term service it chargeable
Professional care taker will be provided if need be, on paid basis
Training for present care taker and family
Basic Counselling


The charges are as follow:

Rs.500/- for a week,i.e. one visit a week.Also it means Rs.2000/- p.m.
If there is a need we will give discount ,if the family is poor and cant pay.But not less then Rs.200/- But this has to be discuss and it will be case by case.

We need to make proper Terms and Condition document.Amruta and Hendi can help to do this.Also need to make a brochure/info booklet - bhavesh can design this.

According to me this can be very good service for the Dementia and if we are focus and work toward it we can make a impact.

Pls see a mail below after I 1st visited them as part of our DMS.

Awaiting your suggestion.


Thks.



Warm Regards,
Sailesh Mishra

Founder - Silver Innings,A dedicated Website for Elders and their Family Members
Founder – ARDSI, Greater Mumbai Support Group
Advisor - Society for Serving Seniors
Managing Committee Member - ARDSI, Mumbai Chapter
Mobile: 0091 9819819145
Website : www.silverinnings.com
Blog: http://peopleforsocialcause.blogspot.com/ ; http://silverinnings.blogspot..com/

4th Global World Elder Abuse Awareness Day 15th June 2009

On the occasion of 4th Global World Elder Abuse Awareness Day 15th June, Silver Inning Foundation, A Dedicated organization for senior citizens and their family members will be commemorating World Elder Abuse Awareness Week from 13th June to 19th June 2009.

It has taken the initiative to host various events to create awareness and sensitize the Government and the Civil Society to eliminate elder abuse at both micro and macro level. We are also trying to network with organizations working with elderly in Mumbai and all over India .


World over 15th June is marked as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day by INPEA.INPEA is an organization, founded in 1997, which is dedicated to the global dissemination of information as part of its commitment to the world-wide prevention of the abuse of older people.

The United Nations International Plan of Action adopted by all countries in Madrid , April 2002, clearly recognizes the importance of addressing and preventing abuse and neglect of older adults and puts it in the framework of the Universal Human Rights. INPEA is dedicated to supporting the plan of action.


World Elder Abuse Awareness Week programme aims to increase society's ability, through various programmes, to recognise and respond to the mistreatment of older people in whatever setting it occurs, so that the latter years of life will be free from abuse, neglect and exploitation.


Objective:

· To create awareness in elderly people themselves regarding what comes under elder abuse.

· To sensitize young people regarding elder abuse and to bridge the intergenerational gap between elderly and young people.

· To create awareness in media and society at large regarding elder abuse.


World Elder Abuse Awareness Week 2009 Tentative Programme:


1. Elder Abuse Awareness Week from 13th June to 19th June 2009


2. Host Essay Competition - "Elder Abuse: Role of Civil Society and Government " from 15th May 2009 to 31st May. To Publish Three Best Essay on Elder Abuse on Website and Blogs.To announce winner by 15th June 2009


3. 13th June 2009 Intergeneration Programme of Poster Making ,Slogan Writing and Presentation at Apne Aap ,Khetwadi, Mumbai (NGO working for Children’s of marginalized mothers)


4. 14th June 2009 Interactive Talk by Amruta Lovekar and Sailesh Mishra on Elder Abuse at Mahakali Senior Citizens Association, Andheri East, Mumbai (This Sr.Ctz Association is part of FESOM)


5. 15th June 2009 Talk by Sailesh Mishra on ‘Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act 2007 and Elder Laws’ and Tying of ‘Purple Security Band’ to Elders at AISCON, Nerul ,Navi Mumbai (This is All India Senior Citizens' Confederation)


6. 18th June 2009 Talk by Sailesh Mishra on "Elder Abuse: The Hidden Health Aspect" at HELP Library –Nalanda ,Fort,Mumbai


7. 19th June 2009 Launch of Legal Advice cell for Elderly Women with regard to Matrimonial Issues in association with Majlis (NGO that provides litigation support and legal counseling to women)


This Programme is organized by Silver Inning Foundation and promoted by INPEA (International Network for Prevention of Elder Abuse) Indian Chapter through Development, Welfare and Research Foundation (DWARF) and 'Little Things Matter Initiatives' (LTMI), Mahakali Senior Citizens Association, Apne Aap, ARDSI Greater Mumbai and AISCON (All India Senior Citizens' Confederation).


For more info contact:


Sailesh Mishra, Founder President at info@silverinnings.com and silverinnings@gmail.com or call on 09987104233 – Monday to Friday 10am to 5pm.

Website: www.silverinnings.com

National Dementia Strategy Consultative Meeting of Experts ‘Western India’-2009

About Department of Psychiatry, Nair Hospital, Mumbai:

Department of Psychiatry at Nair Hospital offers services to Elderly as part of OPD and Inpatient Facility.

Special Emphasis is on detection & treatment of Psychology disorder in Elderly including Dementia, which forms part of its therapeutic outreach programme.

In recent years importance is being given to research on MCI –Mild Cognitive Impairment – patients have a high risk of converting to Alzheimer's disease.

About Silver Inning Foundation:

Silver Inning Foundation is registered NGO dedicated for Senior Citizens and Its family.
It is part of Silver Innings.Com www.silverinnings.com a comprehensive and dedicated Website for Elderly.

Dementia is one of the focus areas for Silver Innings. Providing need base service, networking and advocacy for Senior Citizens forms important aspect of Silver Innings. It promotes the concept of Successful Ageing among various forums.

Dr.Jacob Roy
National Chairman, ARDSI
Dr.Charles Pinto
Project Head – NDS –I, Mumbai
Prof Emeritus, Dept of Psychiatry, Nair Hospital ,Mumbai

Sailesh Mishra
Chief Coordinator, NDS –I, Mumbai
Founder President, Silver Inning Foundation
Email: ardsimumbai@gmail.com ; sailesh2000@gmail.com
Sailesh Mishra
Cell: 9819819145

Founder President - Silver Inning Foundation
Karamveer Puraskaar 2008 Winner
UnLtd India Investee 2008
Founder – ARDSI, Greater Mumbai Support Group
Advisor - Society for Serving Seniors
Managing Committee Member - ARDSI, Mumbai Chapter

My Website : www.silverinnings.com
Read my Blog: http://peopleforsocialcause.blogspot.com/ ; http://silverinnings.blogspot..com/
Visit Youtube: http://in.youtube.com/my_favorites?pi=0&ps=20&sf=added&sa=0&sq=&dm=1
See Pictures : http://www.flickr..com/photos/sailesh2000_2000/
Others
Comments/suggestions


§ How can we identify Alzheimer's disease in people living alone?

o Through telephone, friends and relatives should be encouraged to be in touch; reverse help line approach where the NGOs can contact them periodically should be promoted

§ What ARDSI should do

o Each local chapter should engage with the local govt for advocacy and fundraising.

o The Delhi chapter should do advocacy with govt on policy planning through the planning commission, other departments etc. There has to be a dynamic national presence in the national capital to help ARDSI get access to both governmental and private support.

§ A few other issues for focus

o Legal issues - Doctors look after the patient and support groups focus on the care aspect. No one focus on other legal issues relating to property. ARDSI should liase with advocate and promote information on these aspects as in Alzheimer's Disease the patient’s decision making ability is impaired

o Advocacy with NSSO (Delhi) TISS and IIPS for including Alzheimer's Disease in their research to estimate incidence of Alzheimer's Disease

o Study of WHO report of 2001 to outline minimum action required for dementia care given the uniqueness of Indian context compared to the west.

o Dementia strategy paper should be distributed to all stakeholders and their comments invited

o To have National Dementia Registry

o To advocate with corporate to include Elderly/Dementia in CSR

o Dementia to be included in National Mental Health Prorammes

o To advocate to include Dementia in Disability ACT

o Have Multidisciplinary Dementia Day care Center

o Have Respite Care facility

o Have 24 x 7 Long Term care facility for the needy

o To include Dementia in Senior Citizens Maintenance ACT 2007

o To have more support groups for care givers

3. Improved quality of care / Rehabilitation

3. Improved quality of care / Rehabilitation
Objectives:


Improved health care through Informed family carers

Relieving of carer stress and burnout

Improved quality of care through the public health system

Informed and Effective Workforce

Comments/suggestions

§ What to watch out for

o The urban rural divide should also be accounted for in the strategy and one should be realistic about what rural health workers can do in 6 hrs of full-time work as they are already overburdened.

§ Diagnosis and care services

o Offer high quality care and support through memory clinics, day-care centers, and respite care centers.

o Set quality standards for care. Simple guidelines to be used for ensuring minimum quality standards in these clinics and in public health systems

o Focus on priorities for care-givers - access to continuity of support, access to good-quality information about dementia and local help available, access to good-quality care at home, in hospital or in a care home – provided by people with an understanding of dementia, access to peer support.

o Through support groups empower carers to make choices in caring for their family member suffering from Alzheimer's Disease

o Support and inspire carers to improve the quality of care rather than just have the basic needs of the patient, attended to
§ Training of personnel in dementia”.

o Stress on the benefits of training – the task of caring for a dementia patient is extremely difficult as it involves handling of wandering patients, aggression, incontinence and eventually round-the-clock care. Training is needed to enable caregivers to provide appropriate, competent and sensitive care and support and at the same time, prevent burnout.

o Who should be trained?

o Persons with dementia, immediate family, care staff, general health care professionals, and volunteers from community.

o Other aspects of training - levels of training need to be appropriate for the corresponding group of people. Critical focus areas in training include understanding the disease, skills to manage challenging behaviour and strategies for helping families and caregivers cope with the emotional challenges of caring for a resident with Alzheimer's disease.

o Standardise content of geriatric/dementia care training

o Have at least one trained care giver in care homes- incentive and/or legislation

o Make funds available for training programs, workshops

2. Early diagnosis and intervention

2. Early diagnosis and intervention
Objectives:


Encourage family members to take the elderly to a doctor in time without waiting for the Disease to progress and obtain necessary medical care.

Comments/suggestions

§ How to promote early diagnosis

o Through workshops for training professionals for diagnosis in urban and rural areas.

o Organize memory clinics and camps

1. Improve awareness/ Advocacy

The below are some of the points discussed in the meeting that needs to be a part of the National Dementia Strategy. The points have been categorized under various headings, with each topic in a different page.

1. Improve awareness/ Advocacy
Objectives:

Improved public and professional Awareness of dementia among GPs, healthcare skilled/semi-skilled professionals (nursing, physiotherapists, SLPs), healthcare policy makers and media resulting in better understanding of the disease and its care.

Mobilize support from government, foundations, public and private sector organizations, and philanthropists

Generate interest in students and younger faculty members to contribute time and services, as a society that does not provide necessary social services to its members is doomed to fail.

Comments/suggestions

§ Type of messages

o Simple messages on Alzheimer's Disease

o The awareness should focus on different components such as diagnosis, treatment etc

§ Where the messages should be given

o Make use of as many media as possible

o Public - National Social Service (NSS) of Universities, all service organizations, senior citizen forums, police, bar associations, schools and colleges, local self governments, NRHM, social work colleges, management institutes

o Media – documentaries in theatres, street theatre, TV, newspaper, FM radio. Use print and electronic media, public hoardings in PHCs and hospitals,

o Include dementia in as many public awareness programs as possible

o Include information about Alzheimer's Disease in the curriculum of medical colleges for doctors, nurses, Social Science and supportive health care personnel

o Target conferences of medical professionals, nursing bureaus and home care services, RMPs,

o There should be a comprehensive website

§ Content of the messages

o The goal of awareness should be very clear from the outset and there should be a distinction between what is a public health approach and what accounts for individual strategy (care giving is a individual strategy while generic awareness of the disease is a public health strategy).

o Differentiation between normal aging and age associated memory impairment (AAMI) and benign senescent forgetfulness (BSF) of normal aging process.

o Clarification of the 3 words that are used inter-changeably - aging, dementia and Alzheimer's Disease

o Lack of permanent cure (warn people against high expectations from various drugs and others substances such as ginkgo biloba) and importance of care for the patient and support for the caregiver

o Right information on ethical dilemmas such as tube feeding and palliative care in the terminal stage

o Right information on the experiments conducted on curcumin

o The demographic impact of Alzheimer's Disease and other dementias in developing countries such as India

o Clear signs of Alzheimer's Disease such as forgetting names, loss of interest in hobbies, unable to manage money, unable to do simple housekeeping tasks or cooking should be highlighted in the awareness campaigns so that people can identify Alzheimer's Disease in the elderly

Fight against dementia India-2009

Dementia is a general term to denote a progressive degenerative disease of the brain resulting in loss of Memory, intellectual decline, behavioural and personality changes. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of Dementia. Mostly older people are affected by this condition.

It is estimated that there are more than 28 million people affected by this mind crippling tragedy globally. This number is expected to double by 2025. More than 70% of people with dementia live in developing counties like China and India. Although we don’t have the actual members, it is estimated that there are over 3 million people in India who are victims of dementia.

Compared to any other chronic illness, more than the patients, often, it is the family members who bear the brunt of this devastating illness. It is often termed as a cruel disease, because it strips the person of all the skills and intellectual achievement the person has acquired during his life time and leaves the shadow of the person he used to be. The family members often have to watch the deterioration of their loved ones helplessly. Despite the magnitude, there is gross ignorance, and is often neglected in our country.

Many countries in the world have recognized Dementia as a health priority eg. Australia, South Korea. Similarly countries like UK, France have developed National Dementia Strategies. This has resulted in greater recognition, improved awareness and more fund allocation by their governments.

Alzheimer’s and Related Disorders Society of India (ARDSI) is the first Afro Asian National Alzheimer’s Association to get full membership in Alzheimer’s Disease International the world federation of 74 national Alzheimer’s Associations way back in 1993. ARDSI continues to be in the forefront in raising awareness and providing much needed services to those affected. Taking cues from the countries with better dementia awareness and care, ARDSI has taken the bold initiative to develop a National Dementia Strategy for India. The number of people with dementia in India is expected to double by 2025. There is gross ignorance. Most people with dementia go undetected. There are hardly any service available. Research in this area is scanty.

The aim of the National consultative meetings are to explore, discuss and share views on how to develop a National Dementia Strategy for India. This will be a road map for the country for the next five years in Dementia care. The first meeting was held in Jamia Millia, New Delhi on 30th-31st Jan 2009. The meeting in Mumbai is to get the views of the experts from the Western region. Similar meetings shall be held in other parts of the country, drawing experts from medical, nursing, social work, legal, media and governmental agencies. A final meeting shall be held in New Delhi by the end of 2009 to draw a national plan.

Raising awareness, promote early diagnosis and provide effective management shall be the key areas, the Strategy shall be based up on. Final document shall be used to influence the government of India and state governments to include dementia in all the key Ministries of health, social welfare, science and technology’s, programmes. We hope to work towards making dementia a health priority in the country in the coming years.

National Dementia Strategy Consultative Meeting of Experts ‘Western India’

A National Dementia Strategy Consultative Meeting of Experts ‘Western India’ was held at the YMCA International, Mumbai Central on 25th & 26th April 2009.

The Theme of this meeting was : “INTEGRATED DEMENTIA CARE “ .This meeting of experts was Organised by Alzheimer’s and Related Disorders Society of India (ARDSI) National Office and Mumbai Chapter in association with Department of Psychiatry, Nair Hospital, Mumbai And Silver Inning Foundation.

This important meet was inaugurated by Chief Guest: Dr. Jairaj Thanekar -Executive Health Officer, Mumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and Guest of Honour: Dr.R.V.Rananavare - Ag.Dean,Nair Hospital.


Dr.Jairaj Thanekar assured to help the cause of Dementia in creating awareness and providing services.

Around 29 multidisciplinary organization and family members participated in this important meet, the list of organization is given below:

1° All India ARDSI Chapters
2° Dept of Psychiatry, Nair Hospital
3° Silver Inning Foundation
4° Dept of Health , Mumbai Municipal Corporation( BMC)
5° Geriatric Society of India
6° TISS
7° Majlis
8° Dept of Psychiatry, KEM Hospital
9° The Family Welfare Agency
10° Forum for Improving Quality of Life
11° Jhunjhunwala Foundation
12° Harmony
13° Dept of Nursing, Wockhard Hospital
14° Tata Trust
15° Anand Rehabilitation center
16° Dept of Nursing, Nanavati Hospital
17° Akashwani
18° Memory Clinic, Sion Hospital
19° Memory Clinic, Nair Hospital
20° S.V.T.College (SNDT Juhu)
21° Bombay Psychiatrist Society
22° Elder Helpline, Mumbai Police
23° Helpage India
24° Sir Tata Dorabji Trust
25° Department of Neurology, K.E.M. Hospital
26° Department of Neurology, Grant medical college
27° Sir J.J.Group of Hospitals, Mumbai
28° Dept of Nursing , Holy Family Hospital ,Niagaon
29° Dept of Nursing , Minatai Nursing College

Support Groups Dementia - Greater Mumbai

www.timeswellness.com

Posted On Monday, May 11, 2009


Silver Innings Dementia Support Group, in association with Silver Inning Foundation and Alzheimer’s and Related Disorder Society of India (ARDSI), Greater Mumbai


Contact details: Sailesh Mishra - Founder, 9987104233 / 9819819145 . Email- info@silverinnings.com; sailesh2000@gmail.com, Website - www.silverinnings.com
Contact Time: Monday to Friday 10am to 5pm.

The Silver Innings Dementia Support Group offers counselling, training of family members, training of professional care givers, monthly meetings, awareness campaigns, lectures, and reference service. The team members include psychiatrist, family member, clinical psychologist, nursing trainer and social worker

The current area of operation is from Andheri to Bhayander.


___________________________________________________________

Other contact numbers

Dignity Foundation - Dementia Day care centre
Contact – 91-22-23898078

Alzheimer’s and Related Disorder Society of India (ARDSI) runs a partial Helpline
Contact – 91-22-23742479

Shree Manav Seva Sangh: 24081487

Mumbai Police: 1090

Silver Inning Foundation: 9987104233


http://www.timeswellness.com/index.aspx?page=article§id=12&contentid=200905112009051115242256449ebe640§xslt=SecAllImg

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Dementia Mumbai Chapter Invites

ARDSI,Mumbai Chapter cordial invites you to join us for Dinner on
Saturday 25th April 2009 at 7.30pm at Shivaji Park Gymkhana ,1st Flr ,
Near Minatai Thakre Statue ,Shivaji Park , Keluskar Road,Dadar
,Mumbai.Tel: 022-24453811 / 24443799

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Caregivers and Depression - Signs of Depression

By L. John Mason

I have been a caregiver for over 4 years and I recognize that it is affecting me. I did some research to find the Signs of Depression and found that I have been experiencing many of these challenges. Caregivers need to take good care of themselves. Even with exercise, stress management (relaxation), and proper diet, caregivers can still become overwhelmed by the efforts that they provide.Please take good care of yourself. Get support from friends, family, and even professionals, if you need.Symptoms of depression....

Here's a list of common signs of depression. If these symptoms last for more than two weeks, see your doctor.

- Mental or physical tiredness or lack of energy
- An "empty" feeling, ongoing sadness, and anxiety
- Loss of interest or pleasure in activities that were once pleasurable
- Recurrent episodes of crying
- Change in sleep patterns, including very early morning waking, insomnia, or increased need for sleep
- Problems with eating and weight (gain or loss)
- Decreased sex drive or sexual dysfunction
- Thoughts of death or suicide; a suicide attempt
- Aches and pains that just won't go away
- Difficulty focusing, remembering, or making decisions
- Feeling irritable or stressed
- Feeling that the future looks grim; feeling guilty, helpless, or worthless
- Stomach ache and digestive problems

Two hallmarks of depression - symptoms key to establishing a diagnosis
- are :
- Depressed mood. You feel sad, helpless or hopeless, and may have crying spells.
- Loss of interest in normal daily activities. You lose interest in or pleasure from activities that you used to enjoy.


In addition, for a doctor or other health professional to diagnose depression, most of the following signs and symptoms also must be present for at least two weeks.

- Sleep disturbances. Sleeping too much or having problems sleeping can be a sign you're depressed. Waking in the middle of the night or early in the morning and not being able to get back to sleep are typical.
- Fatigue or slowing of body movements. You feel weariness and lack of energy nearly every day. You may feel as tired in the morning as you did when you went to bed the night before. You may feel like you're doing everything in slow motion, or you may speak in a slow, monotonous tone.
- Low self-esteem. You feel worthless and have excessive guilt.
- Changes in weight. An increased or reduced appetite and unexplained weight gain or loss may indicate depression.
- Agitation. You may seem restless, agitated, irritable and easily annoyed.
- Impaired thinking or concentration. You may have trouble concentrating or making decisions and have problems with memory.
- Less interest in sex. If you were sexually active before developing depression, you may notice a dramatic decrease in your level of interest in having sexual relations.
- Thoughts of death. You have a persistent negative view of yourself, your situation and the future. You may have thoughts of death, dying or suicide.

Depression can also cause a wide variety of physical complaints, such as gastrointestinal problems (indigestion, constipation or diarrhea), headache and backache. Many people with depression also have symptoms of anxiety.

Regular exercise, relaxation (stress management), proper sleep (rest), and proper diet can help to lessen the impact of the stress from caregiving. If you require more support, go get it. Avoid "burnout" or worse.

Please take GOOD care of yourself!

L. John Mason, Ph.D. is the author of the best selling "Guide to Stress Reduction." Since 1977, he has offered Success & Executive Coaching and Training.

Sunday, March 29, 2009

Government Sponsor One month Certificate Course in Age Care

Alzheimer's and Related Disorders Society of India (ARDSI) is organizing a one month Certificate Course for functionaries of NGOs and other age care projects, in association with National Institute of Social Defence, Old Age Care Division at Cochin from 30th March to 29th April 2009 at Ashirbhavan Ernakulam, Kerala.

We invite Social Workers, Counselors, Care takers and other functionaries who are within the age of 25 to 50, and having at least one year work experience in Old age care institutions or in other related programmes or projects working for the well being of the elderly.

Interested persons should contact the address below to confirm the participation as early as possible. The participants will be reimbursed the railway travel, to and fro by three tier AC on producing photocopy of the tickets. The Course materials, lodging and boarding will be provided free of cost during the course as per the guidelines of NISD. On the successful completion of this one month course, the participants will be provided with the Certificate of National Institute of Social Defence, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India.

Contact Urgently:Mr.SAJU N VALZHEIMER'S AND RELATED DISORDERS SOCIETY OF INDIAMADAVANA TEMPLE ROAD ,VENNALA.P.OPALARIVATTOM. N.H.BY PASSKOCHI-28 KERALA, INDIA.PHONE 0484 2808088HELP LINES: 09846198786/09846198471Email:ardsicochin@gmail.comweb site: http://alzheimer-india.org

Sunday, March 1, 2009

Report of "Multidisciplinary Approach to Healthy & Participatory Ageing" Conference. India, 2009.

Wednesday, 11 February, 2009

S.V.T. COLLEGE OF HOME SCIENCE (Autonomous) S.N.D.T. Women’s University, held an UGC CPE sponsored International Conference on “Multidisciplinary Approach to Healthy & Participatory Ageing” from 22nd to 24th JANUARY, 2009, at ISKCON Auditorium, Hare Krishna Land, Juhu, Mumbai.

The participating organizations for this conference were International Longevity Center, India, Helpage India and ICMR. The supporting organizations for the conference was Geriatric Society of India and Silver Inning Foundation. Union Bank of India was the Gold Sponsor for the Conference.

Around 400 delegates consisting of academicians, students, researchers from the different fields of human development, psychology, nutrition, social work, related to the field of Gerontology across India and a few from abroad participated during the three-day event to discuss the areas related to Senior Citizens. Many representatives of Senior citizen organizations also participated in this conference.

In the Inaugural program, the keynote address ‘Towards Multi-disciplinary Approach – Going Beyond Physical Science’ was delivered by Dr. S. D. Gokhale (President, International Longevity Centre, India). The theme of the keynote address was ‘Ageing: a Natural Phenomeon’. He dwelt upon science and spirituality in the context of ageing. This was followed by the speech of Chief Guest, Prof. S. Parasuraman (Director, Tata Institute of Social Sciences). He discussed at length economic implications of ageing and initiatives of the various state governments for helping the old people. Dr. O.P.Sharma, Gen. Secretary, GSI spoke in his speech, “Geriatrics – Past, Present & Future”, focussed on medical aspects related to ageing. He charted the history of Geriatrics and emphasized on need for positive habits of nutrition, exercise from early years for healthy ageing.

The inaugural ceremony was followed by the inauguration of photo exhibition and poster presentation. Later the students of SVT College of Home Science enthralled the audience with the rich cultural programme.

The delegates of this conference enriched their existing knowledge with the different presentations on various topics from a galaxy of National and International invited speakers who are stalwarts in the field of gerontology like Mrs. Irene Hoskins (President, International Federation of Ageing, U.S.A.) Dr. Jane Barratt (General Secretary, International Federation of Ageing, Canada), Dr. O.P.Sharma, Gen. Secretary, GSI, Dr. Gururaj mutalik (ex-director who, united nations), Peter Martin (Director Gerontology, University of Iowa), Mr. Prakash Borgoankar (Helpage india, Dr. Indira Jai Prakash (Ex-Prof. of Psychology, Bangalore University). Dr. Ashish Contractor (Asian Heart Hospital, Mumbai), Dr. G. G. Ray’s (Prof. IDC, IIT, Mumbai) Dr. S. Shaji, (Psychiatrist), Dr. Jacob John Kattakayam, Dr. Charles Pinto (Psychiatrist, Nair Hospital, Mumbai), Dr. Kavita Reddy (American Soya Association), Dr. Bharati Kulkarni (Senior Scientist, NIN, Hyderabad).Arch. Radhika Vaidya (Athashri Foundation, Pune) Dr. N. K. Chadda (Department of Psychology, University of Delhi), Dr. Duru Shah (Medical Director, Gynac World, Mumbai), and Dr. Sesikeran (Director, NIN, Hyderabad) Dr. Bhavesh Modi, Dr. S. Sivaraju (TISS, Mumbai), and Dr. Surendra Sanghvi (MGM College of Eng. & Tech.) Ms. Swatija Manorama presented.

Various topics like Global Ageing Innovations in Policy & Practice, Role of NGOs in Population Ageing, Cardiovascular & Respiratory Rehabilitation – Emerging Issues, Special Housing for Elderly, Think Elderly: Designing Products for Elderly, Quality Ageing – Psychological Issues. Dementia Care – Emerging Issues and Newer Interventions, Family as Carer – the Changing Scenario, Ageing & Cognitive Impairment, Nutrition and Health Benefits of Soy in Human Nutrition, Menopause and Ageing, Personality Characteristics and Well-being of Older Adults, Intergenerational Relationships: Issues and Challenges, Nutrition, Health, and Ageing‘Active Ageing and Economic Security for Elderly, Research in Population Ageing, Use of Electro Stimulation for Incontinence, Issues of the Elderly Women etc were covered very effectively by the different topics.

There were about 22 oral paper presentations made by different researchers during this 3-day conference. About 14 posters presentations on varying topics related to ageing were also another highlight of this conference.

The concluding session was panel discussion on the theme ‘Healthy Ageing’ chaired by Dr. Vibhuti Patel and the panellists were Mr. Sailesh Mishra (Silver Innings), Dr. Sesikaran (NIN, Hyderabad), Dr. A. Deshpande (Psychiatrist, Mumbai), Dr. Kinjewadkar (President, All-India Senior Citizen Association).

The conference came up with the following recommendations :

->There is a need to raise awareness of and creating a common understanding of the concept of healthy ageing.

->Sensitize the society that concept of Healthy ageing goes beyond physical health.

->Quality Ageing should be part of Syllabus of School, College and University.

->Research in Areas of Widows, Disabled, Fragile older adults & Unorganised Sector should be encouraged. Networking for sharing of Research on Ageing should be promoted.

->Need for more well planned low-cost interventions for older adults.

->Need to develop supportive environment in terms of specially designed houses, medical infrastructure, NGO’s and services for the elderly.

->Need for more qualified care-givers for the elderly- Training programmes for caregivers need to be strengthened.

->Government must be cautious while giving the additional responsibility of Geriatric care to the anganwadi worker who is already overloaded.

Contact: Dr.Suja Koshy : dr.sujakoshy@gmail.com
Posted by Silver Innings at 7:21 AM

ARDSI Hyderabad Deccan Chapter Inauguration

November 18th 2008 is a very important day for Hyderabad, nay, Andhra Pradesh. The ARDSI (Alzheimer's and Related Disorders Society of India) Hyderabad Deccan Chapter has been formally inaugurated at NIMS, Hyderabad in a simple function.

Dr Alladi Suvarna, Neurologist from NIMS, President Local Chapter, welcomed everyone. She gave a simple lucid account of Alzheimer's Disease. Memory loss need not always be due to AD. Causes like Stroke, Head injuries etc may also cause it. These are treatable and reversable. But in AD the memory loss gradually worsens day by day spread over some 8-10 years. During the last stages patients do not even remember how to eat or walk. They become highly frustrated and become agressive and unmanageable at times, mostly because they are highly confused and do not understand what is hapeening to them. Caring for AD patiends involves surprises and fresh learning everyday. She said that one could try to postpone AD by keeping the brain always busy with puzzles, learning activities etc. Turmeric is likely to help preventing AD. She also spoke about memory clinics conducted by NIMS

Ms Nilanjana Maulik of ARDSI Kolkata spoke next. She has over 14 years experience in training care givers. She described all the activities and objectives of ARDSI. Crating Awareness, Care Giver Training, Conducting Memory Clinics, Producing Info products for wide distribution, conducting Chapter based and National level conferences, Advocacy & lobbying are all part of their services / activities. GOI has accepted their proposal to set up National Institute of Aging & Research. In future they want to establish more chapters and provide Respite Care programs also. The Day Care Center facilities in Head Quarters is appreciated by one and all.

Mr S Dass of Helpage , chief guest for the function, congratulated and thanked NIMS and others for starting this Chapter. He said it is long over due. He extended full support for any activity connected with AD. He has witnessed personally the plight of many AD patiens and their families. His support is available anyone desiring to start AD related services in AP. He formally inaugurated the Chapter by switching on the Lamp. "Behind-the-screen" support extended by Helpage is laudable.

Ms Ansari, Secretary, gave a brief history of the Local chapter. It is an off shoot of Memory Clinics at NIMS, many Awareness Creation Lectures by NIMS staff and other activities during the last two Alzheimer's Day in September. Sh gave an overview on AD in India. I was amused to learn that AD is a highly democratic disease. The composition of membership in the chapter is multi faceted: Psychiatrists, Psychologists, Care Givers, Speech Therapists, Neurologists and Volunteers are all welcome to be members.

Dr Chandrashekar, well known Psychiatrist from Asha Hospital, Vice President of Hyderabad Chapter, proposed a (highly matter of fact) vote of Thanks that I very much forwarded to in all meetings. (Many VOT speakers start giving another lecture!.)

The meeting ended with tea which provided a good venue for interaction. Students, family members of AD patients, representatives from SCAs, supporters from Pharma Industry, members of Helpage, NIMs etc were the participants.

What I liked most about the meeting was the simple, business like manner in which the whole meeting was conducted. This gave everybody a sense of assurance --- here are some people who mean business --there would be suitable follow up activities soon.

The tea time was utilized to enroll members (Annual membership Rs 100/- Life Membership Rs 1000/-). I became a member. My receipt number is 905. This is on the inaugural Day. Isn't that some indication that ARDSI Hyderabad Chapter will do grow fast in terms of membership and services?

Let us all wish them well and participate as volunteers in whatever capacity we can.

Report by Dr P Vyasamoorthy

Sunday, February 1, 2009

First National Dementia Strategy - India meeting held in New Delhi

A National Consultative Meeting of experts to develop a National Dementia Strategy was held at Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi on 30th–31st Jan. 2009. This meeting was organized by Alzheimer’s and Related Disorders Society of India (ARDSI) in association with the Centre for Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Sciences, Jamia Milia Islamia. ARDSI is a national voluntary organization dedicated to the care, support, and research of dementia.

With world’s second largest elderly population, millions of people are affected by Alzheimer’s Disease and other forms of dementias in India . This number shall go up with increasing life expectancy. With the vast changes taking place in our society, like nuclearisation of families, migration of younger people, globalization, changing values have all put tremendous pressure on the care of elderly especially those with chronic conditions such as dementia.

Alzheimer’s Disease is a chronic degenerative disease of the brain which manifests with loss of memory, intellectual decline and often behavioural problems. Despite the large number of affected people, there is gross ignorance and neglect of the disease. Most people with dementia go un-detected. Often there is stigma attached to this condition. In some cases they even undergo abuse. There are hardly any services available for the victims and their care givers.

This meeting was beginning of an exercise that will go on for the next one year to develop a strategy to transform the present situation of neglect and promote good dementia care over the next five years. This consultation shall draw evidence from wide range of reports and stakeholders. All those who were interested in improving the care of dementia victims are invited to give their inputs. Three key themes of this exercise area:

1. Improve awareness about dementia both among general public and health professionals.

2. Encourage early diagnosis for early intervention

3. Improve quality of care of those affected and their care-givers.

This meeting was attended by the Hon. Vice Chancellor, Jamia Millia Islamia, Prof. Mushirul Hasan (as guest of honour), officials from Ministry of Health, Social Justice and Empowerment, ICMR, WHO, Service organizations, professional bodies and chapters of ARDSI. Dr. Vijay Chandra, Mental Health Advisor, WHO SEARO, Dr. A.B. Dey from AIIMS, Dr. Vinod Kumar, Geriatrician, Dr. Bela Shah-DG, ICMR, Dr. Purnima Singh, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Dr. S.P. Agarwal, Secretary General, Indian Red Cross Society, Past Rotary National Director O.P. Vaish, Dr. Mathew Varghese, NIMHANS, Bangalore, Dr. Mala Kapur Shankardass ,Mr.Premkumar Raja ,Dr. Manoj Jacob ARDSI Cochin, Nilanjana Maulik ARDSI Kolkata chapter, Mr. Mathew Cherian and Mr. M.M. Sabharwal, HelpAge India, Ms. Avantika Gosh, Dr.Abha Choudhary,Dr. Suvarna Alladi, NIMS, Hyderabad,Rukshana Ansari form ARDSI Hyderabad, Dr. K.S. Anand, are the main resource persons. Sailesh Mishra from Silver Inning Foundation and Mumbai ARDSI ,Meera Pattabi,Col Kar Nair was also present for this historic meeting. Meetings is expected to draw experts from across the country, as told by Dr. K. Jacob Roy, National Chairman, ARDSI, Mrs. Nirmala Narula, Vice Chairperson ARDSI, Shri. S.N. Kuckreja, Vice President, New Delhi Chapter, Col. Khanna, Executive Director, Delhi Chapter.

Source:http://silverinnings.blogspot.com/2009/02/first-national-dementia-strategy-india.html