Early Diagnosis of Dementia is Critical

THE SMELL OF STRAWBERRIES - A MUST SEE

The Smell of Strawberries is an extraordinary new play, recognised by notable figures in the Arts, and also Alzheimers Auckland, as piece of theatre that must be developed further. Auckland play-wright, Lynn John, based the play on the lives of three real women, two of whom have Alzheimers, and it is a delightful story that combines music, humour and drama. The play is directed by Linda Kitchen and includes superb acting by Matt Sunderland (Out of the Blue) and David Weatherly (Lord of the Rings).

There is an opportunity for the public to view 2 workshop presentations of the Smell of Strawberries on Sunday 24 August at 1pm and 4pm. The workshops will be held at the Opera Factory, Eden Street, Newmarket.

For your chance to see this wonderful and stirring piece of theatre, please phone Sue Brewster at Alzheimers Auckland on (09) 622-4230. There is a suggested donation of $50 per head to aid the funding of this event, which will include refreshment.

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View the item from Campbell Live - 22 July 2008

In the lead-up to the Alzheimers Annual Appeal and Awareness week, one of the key messages that is being delivered into the community is that early diagnosis and acceptance of the diagnosis of dementia is critical. There are many reasons why but three of the fundamental reasons are:

1. Denial of having a form of dementia is extremely common and this is the single, largest barrier to receiving critical help and support in the early stages of dementia.

2. Early diagnosis helps to eliminate denial as people are more likely to respond to the advice of a health professional or specialist and the flow-on effect is more timely referrals to support agencies such as Alzheimers Auckland.

3. The benefit of early diagnosis is that people can take a much larger degree of control over their future while they still have good capacity including:

• Ensuring all of their legal matters are attended to ie wills, enduring power of attorneys, advance directives
• Understanding their disease and employing self-help practises while they have sufficient levels of capability
• Planning for the type of care they would like to receive at the different stages of dementia
• Allowing their designated Carer to receive vital education and information on practical caring strategies.

With aging populations and people living longer, the incidence of dementia is predicted to double in the next 15-20 years and the General Manager of Alzheimers Auckland Inc, Sue Brewster is determined to help minimise the immense stress experienced by a person with dementia, their carers, families and whanau.

“Our major aim is to eliminate the most commonly repeated statement we hear which is ‘If only we had known about you 2-3 years earlier’, says Brewster, “and for both the person with dementia and their carer, accessing dementia support services such as ours can make a very significant difference in managing the physical, emotional and financial stresses that dementia can cause.”

“Alzheimers and other forms of dementia are forecasted in epidemic proportions in the future” Brewster goes on to say, “and we feel certain that, over time, nearly every New Zealander will be touched by these devastating, progressive brain diseases that still have no cure. Our mission is to provide free services that enable and empower all people affected by dementia through education, advice, information, support and relief.”

The Alzheimers Annual Awareness and Appeal week is 20-26th of July and Alzheimers Auckland Inc are asking for help in two ways.

The first is for New Zealanders to take the message of early diagnosis into the community and help Alzheimers Auckland with their goal of lessening the fear and stigma attached to the diagnosis of dementia. Raising a positive awareness of dementia will also increase the understanding of why early diagnosis and associated support can dramatically reduce the challenges of living with dementia. Your GP should be the first port of call if you or somebody you know thinks they might have dementia or if it is just someone to talk about the possible symptoms in the first instance, please ring one of the Alzheimers Auckland.

Advisors in Auckland (09) 622-4230, North Shore (09) 444-2993/4, Waitakere (09) 811-8003/832-7150 and Rodney (09) 425-9707.

The second way of helping all people affected by dementia is through supporting the Alzheimers Auckland Appeal by hosting a Cuppa for a CauseTM. Cuppa for A CauseTM is the annual Alzheimers fund-raiser and Alzheimers Auckland needs hosts for this social and community-minded initiative. The concept is to host a simple and enjoyable morning or afternoon tea at home, work or with your local community groups. Invited guests are asked to make a donation to Alzheimers Auckland Inc and in the past groups have added in a fun theme linked with memory such as a memory quiz, guess the baby contest or a walk-down-memory lane photo board. Other groups have made it a Cuppa soup or champagne!

Alzheimers Auckland can supply a helpful pack with posters, stickers, giveaways and ideas for the Cuppa. For further information, please ring Rosemary Ledingham on (09) 622-4230 or go to www.alzheimers.co.nz

Any assistance in taking the message of early diagnosis into the community or participating in the annual fund-raiser Cuppa for a CauseTM is very much appreciated and through this type of support, you are directly helping Alzheimers Auckland to make life better for all people affected by dementia.













Contact:
For additional information on Alzheimers Auckland Inc services, please contact Sue Brewster on (09) 622-4230, email sueb@alzheimers.co.nz or go on-line at www.alzheimers.co.nz

About Alzheimers Auckland Inc: Established in 1984, Alzheimers Auckland Inc delivers free dementia services from Counties/Manukau border through to Rodney District with their core mission being to make life better for all people affected by dementia.

Published 23rd Jun 2008

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