Show #359 Airing Sunday, 10/8/06
In the last 100 years, we’ve been able to figure out and reduce the risks of some of the world’s worst diseases, like tuberculosis and small pox. But Alzheimer’s was first diagnosed 100 years ago, yet there’s still no cure. Our guest today, May Wykle, is here to tell us about a wonderful opportunity we’ll soon have to learn from the world’s top experts about the progress that has been made, the latest treatments, and help that’s available for care givers. Ms. Wykle is Dean of the Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing and director of the University Center on Aging and Health.
Question: Alzheimer's is celebrating an anniversary of sorts. Can you explain?
Answer: 100 years ago this November, Aloise Alzheimer diagnosed the first Alzheimer's patient in Germany. Now, a century later, there is still no cure for this illness that is devastating both on a personal and financial level.
Currently, there are 4.5 million Americans diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, and 18 million people worldwide with the illness. It is estimated that this number will double by 2025, in large part due to more people living longer lives.
The cost, again both to the person, families, and finances, of these numbers is overwhelming.
Question: To commemorate this century, Cleveland is holding an international conference focusing on Alzheimer's disease. Tell us about this event.
Answer: The University Center on Aging and Health, along with other support from the community, will be holding a conference called Reflecting on 100 Years of Alzheimer's: The Global Impact on Quality of Lives on November 6 and 7 at Crowne Plaza City Center. We will be looking at the global impact this disease is having.
Cleveland is a natural place to hold this Conference. We have always been ahead of the curve regarding Alzheimer's disease, and have more Alzheimer's related services here than in any other area of the country, and probably even the world.
Question: What types of topics will be covered at the Conference?
Answer: There still is no cure for Alzheimer's disease, and even the causes are not fully understood. So although there will be talks on diagnostics, biology, treatments and technology, much of the Conference will focus in on quality of life, both for those with Alzheimer's disease and related illnesses, but also for those caring for them.
Alzheimer's caregiving is a long-term commitment, and research has shown that caregivers have a shorter lifespan due to the intensity of the care needed and the tendency to ignore their own physical needs.
There will also be talks on the cultural and spiritual implications for Alzheimer's, discussion of end-of-life ethics, a look at how the community can respond to caregivers, and discussion of policy and the expense of the disease.
Question: Who can attend?
Answer: Professionals may attend, and we are offering continuing education credits.
We'd really like to encourage caregivers/family members to attend. Caregivers are at the forefront of Alzheimer's disease. In fact, there are not enough nursing home beds to take all the Alzheimer's patients, and most patients and most family members want the diagnosed to stay at home as long as possible. Therefore, it's really important that caregivers educate themselves about the disease.
The Conference can help them to understand the different manifestations Alzheimer's can take in different patients, to deal with everyday care as the patient goes through the various stages of Alzheimer's, etc.
Question: I understand there are other events running in tandem with the Conference. How does one register for the event?
Answer: We will be at the City Club sometime that week to talk about Alzheimer's disease. The Fairhill Center on Aging will be sponsoring a community program. The Foley Lectureship will have a speaker from Australia giving an international talk on caregiving. Really, there will be community programs all week, not just the Conference.
For more information on these events, or to register for the Conference, you can call the number that's coming up.
Question: What's the cost?
Answer: $125 for whole two days, or come for part and pay less. Plus scholarships.
If someone you love has Alzheimer's disease or dementia, mark your calendars for this November 6th at 7:00 p.m. This upcoming conference can offer valuable information about the disease and resources to help you cope. To learn more, or to register, call the number that's next. My thanks to Dean Wykle. We'll be back.
