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DEMENTIA AWARENESS MONTH ACTIVITIES 2 - 4NEWS 5 - 7STAFF NEWS 8AN EVENING WITH ITA 9PHOTO ALBUM 10

LIVING WITH DEMENTIANEWSLETTER OF ALZHEIMER’S AUSTRALIA ACTDECEMBER 2014

FIGHTING ALZHEIMER’S FOR AUSTRALIA

ALZHEIMER’S AUSTRALIA ACTWORKING TO CREATEA DEMENTIA-FRIENDLY COMMUNITY

Dementia Awareness Month 2014 is over and Alzheimer’s ACT had a very successful month with education and awareness events, the Memory Walk&Jog and guest speaker, Steve Milton from the UK. Each September it is great to see community participation and support increasing for Alzheimer’s ACT and the work we do.

Alzheimer’s ACT always holds a range of activities during Dementia Awareness Month to reach as wide an audience as possible.

During September Alzheimer’s ACT had information stands maintained by volunteers and staff at both Canberra Hospital and Calvary Hospital.

We opened Dementia Awareness

Month with an exhibition of work by the Alzheimer’s ACT Art Group at The Hellenic Club from 1 - 5 September. (More on page 2).

An education session for the general public on What is dementia? was held at Kaleen on 9 September and an information session was held at Carers ACT on 16 September with Ken Baker on the National Disability

Insurance Scheme. Holding events at Carers ACT enables us to accommodate a larger audience than is possible at our Kaleen premises.

Also at Carers ACT was a brain health information day on 19 September which included a Your Brain Matters™ (YBM) presentation and demonstration on healthy cooking by Nutrition Australia and an

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Photos Above, Left to Right: Les Makai and his artwork at the Hellenic Club exhibition, YBM presenter Charise Buckley, Memory Walk&Jog, Member of the Alakara Group enjoying a Questacon demonstration.

NEWS

2 2 DECEMBER 2014

About UsDisclaimer

Greg Fraser - President Gayle Sweeney - Vice PresidentTrevor Wheeler - TreasurerJohn Fely - DirectorMichael Pedler - DirectorGeoff Hine - DirectorCamilla Rowland - DirectorSharon Winks - DirectorJane Allen - CEO

Board Directors

Alzheimer’s Australia ACT provides information, advice, support, advocacy and education for the thousands of Canberrans, their families and carers living with dementia.

Our vision is for a society committed to the prevention of dementia, while valuing and supporting people living with dementia.

To find out more about us and the services we provide, visit www.fightdementia.org.au or call the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500.

Articles in this publication provide a general summary only of the subject matter covered. Any person with dementia should seek professional advice about their specific case. Alzheimer’s Australia ACT is not liable for any error or omission in this publication. Permission should be sought from the Editor before reproducing articles. Once permission is given the source must be acknowledged. Alzheimer’s Australia ACT does not endorse any products, opinions or services of any description.

LIVING WITH DEMENTIA 3

DEMENTIA AWARENESS MONTH ACTIVITIES(CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1)

ACT ART GROUP EXHIBITIONHELLENIC CLUB 1 - 5 SEPTEMBER 2014

exercise session by Judy Croston.

Sunday 21 September was the date for our Memory Walk&Jog which was a huge success with over 450 registrations. Thankfully Canberra turned on a sunny day for us to celebrate World Alzheimer’s Day 2014. (For more see page 3).

Guests were treated to a wonderful presentation on 22 September at the

Ainslie Football Club by Steve Milton from the UK. The subject of the special Dementia Awareness Month talk was Dementia Friendly Concepts and Communities. The afternoon also included a presentation by Ted and Colleen Duff who are building a dementia-friendly home as well as a short talk by Kate Swaffer from South Australia and Breda Jones, a member of Alzheimer’s ACT. (For more see page 4)

To finish off Dementia Awareness Month Alzheimer’s ACT held a multi-cultural information and open day at Villaggio Sant’ Antonio on 23 September.

Photos Below Left to Right: Warren Cameron, Jane Allen thanking Jim Power for his work in framing the paintings, Klaus Van Kampen and Lorraine Wadley.

2 2 DECEMBER 2014

Greg Fraser - President Gayle Sweeney - Vice PresidentTrevor Wheeler - TreasurerJohn Fely - DirectorMichael Pedler - DirectorGeoff Hine - DirectorCamilla Rowland - DirectorSharon Winks - DirectorJane Allen - CEO

Board Directors

LIVING WITH DEMENTIA 3

NEWS

WHAT A WALK!

World Alzheimer’s Day 2014 was again the date for Alzheimer’s ACT’s Memory Walk&Jog and this year our route took us from Lennox Gardens, Lake Burley Griffin, under the two bridges to Bowen Park and return.

Top: Warm up with the Southern Cross Health Club; Gai Brodtmann starts off the walkers; participants coming over the finish line.Below Left: Al with Zanda, Al and friend; Team Kankinya; 1st ladies runner, Nicole Riding; 1st Male runner, Peter Hosking

Registrations for the walk were nearly double that of our first walk in 2013. This year we were amazed at the fundraising efforts of our participants which were triple that of the previous year. Alzheimer’s ACT raised $20,000 from the event through individual registrations and fundraising on the Everyday Hero website.

The lead-up to the event was a busy time with staff hard at work publicising and preparing for the day. Al the Elephant worked tirelessly promoting the event and on the big day Al had a wonderful morning greeting people and having photos taken.

Gai Brodtmann, Federal MP started both the Run and Walk, commenting that it was the first time she had ever used a starting horn.

The competitive group of runners were led to the finish line by Peter Hosking who finished the 6km course in just over 19min 30sec - a fantastic time. Peter was running in memory

of his grandmother, Reba. Nicole Riding, the first placed female runner was also running in memory of her Nan, 2nd place female was Melanie Callaghan from Team Bobby’s Girls and 3rd was Carolyn Barker running in memory of her Ama. Second placed male runner was Lachlan Hogg, closely followed by David Clarke; both good friends of Alzheimer’s ACT.

This year there were quite a few teams registered for the Walk&Jog and it was great to see the teams from RACFs which included teams from Kankinya, Goodwin, Adria Village and Villaggio Sant’ Antonio.

Alzheimer’s ACT would like to thank Goodwin Aged Care Services for their sponsorship, The Tradies Community Crew for their valuable assistance as marshalls on the day, Wiffens for the delicious fruit and the Southern Cross Health Club for their sponsorship and warming up participants before the event.

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DEMENTIA FRIENDLY CONCEPTS AND COMMUNITIESSTEVE MILTON PRESENTATION

NEWS

On Tuesday 23 September 2014 Alzheimer’s ACT hosted a presentation by Steve Milton from the UK. Steve was the guest speaker touring Australia for Alzheimer’s Australia during Dementia Awareness Month 2014.

Steve also spoke on the same day at the Parliamentary Friends of Dementia at Parliament House and we were fortunate that his engaging personality convinced two extra speakers to come back to the Ainslie Football Club and speak to our audience. Our extra speakers were Breda Jones, a person living with dementia and member of Alzheimer’s ACT and Kate Swaffer from South Australia, newly employed spokesperson of Alzheimer’s Australia and person living with Younger Onset Dementia.

Steve Milton’s presentation spoke of his work with Innovations in Dementia, a non-for-profit community interest company in the UK that works with people with dementia, partner organisations and professionals to develop and test projects that enhance the lives of people with dementia. The entertaining and inspirational talk discussed how social action could be a way to reduce stigma and change community attitudes about dementia. He also described some case studies from the UK highlighting ways in which a dementia-friendly community can be achieved.

Kate Swaffer talked about her new role as spokesperson for Alzheimer’s Australia and how her life has changed since her diagnosis. Breda Jones spoke of her diagnosis experience which included losing her employment and later joining Alzheimer’s ACT.

Colleen and her husband Ted gave a wonderful presentation of their plans to build a dementia-friendly house in Googong. Since Ted’s diagnosis they have sold their property outside Canberra and with determination and resourcefulness have created plans for a house which will enable them to live as comfortably and easily as possible while managing the challenges of the future. Also high on the priority for their plan is to create a house which is environmentally sustainable and a home that is dementia friendly.

Top Left: Steve Milton Right: Breda Jones and Steve MiltonBelow Left: Kate Swaffer Right: Ted and Colleen Duff

The afternoon was made even more valuable to those who attended by the willingness of the speakers to take questions from the audience. The feedback received paid testament to the success of the event and Steve Milton commented that it was the best event he had attended so far in Australia with the warmth and engagement of the audience and the way in which people living with dementia and their carers were given a voice.

A big thank you to Kate, Breda, Colleen and Ted for their valuable contributions to Alzheimer’s Australia ACT and helping create a dementia-friendly community.

2 4 DECEMBER 2014 LIVING WITH DEMENTIA 5

NEWS

A new resource has been developed by the Alzheimer’s Australia Dementia Advisory Committee which contains principles of communication that people living with dementia have said would make a difference to their lives.

The Dementia Advisory Committee is made up entirely of people living with dementia. The Committee’s role is to advise and determine the priorities of people with dementia in regard to consumer advocacy, new policy, service delivery and program development. The Committee is supported by Alzheimer’s Australia.

The Committee hopes the brochure will be used to help family, friends, carers, service providers, health professionals and the general community alike.

You can view the brochure at https://fightdementia.org.au/sites/default/files/TalkToMe Order copies of TalkToMe by emailing Nat.Admin@alzheimers.org.au

The main points in the brochure are:

TALK TO MEPlease talk to me, not my carer, family member or friend. Don’t prejudge my level of understanding.

PLEASE SPEAK CLEARLY TO MEMake eye contact and speak clearly. Use short sentences, with one idea at a time. Avoid jargon, as I might misunderstand.

PLEASE KEEP QUESTIONS SIMPLEMake sure I am listening and use simple questions and/or repetition, offered with sensitivity. It’s easier for me to answer direct questions, rather than open-ended questions, such as saying ‘Wasn’t it lovely when we went out to the park yesterday?’ not just ‘Wasn’t it lovely yesterday’.

TREAT ME WITH DIGNITY AND RESPECTI am still a person, so don’t patronise me. Respect and empathy are important to everyone. If I act differently it may be because I am having difficulty communicating or because of my disease.

DON’T QUESTION MY DIAGNOSISThe symptoms of dementia are not always obvious. Listen to me and don’t minimise my feelings.

DISTRACTIONS CAUSE DISRUPTIONSLess noise and fewer distractions, such as bright lights, will help me to focus.

BREAK IT DOWNProviding information in smaller chunks will really help me.

SIGNAGEPlease use clear and simple signage.

2 6 DECEMBER 2014 LIVING WITH DEMENTIA 7

TURMERIC’S ROLE IN BRAIN CELL REGENERATION

New research suggests that aromatic-turmerone (a compound found in the turmeric plant) can induce and promote regeneration of brain cells in rats.

The study was published in the journal Stem Cell Research and Therapy by researchers at the Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine in Germany. The study had two phases, in vitro (assessing the effects on rats’ brain cells in tests tubes) and in vivo (assessing effects on live rats).

In phase one of the trial, the researchers found that when the turmeric compound was added directly to rat brain stem cell cultures in test tubes, the numbers of brain cells nearly doubled compared to cultures of brain stems cells that didn’t have any turmeric compound added. Just as importantly, the trial established that the turmeric compound didn’t cause cell death.

The next phase of the trial was to assess the effects of the turmeric compound on the rat brain itself. In this phase, the researchers found that the subventricular zone (a part of the brain where cell production is prominent) was wider, and the hippocampus (the brain’s memory centre) was expanded in the brains of rats injected with the compound compared to control rats that underwent the same surgical procedure but without the injection of aromatic-turmerone.

So while the study has achieved interesting results, further studies are required to understand the molecular processes behind how this compound might enhance cell production. The researchers would also need to explore alternative methods of drug administration which could be more appropriate for human clinical trials.

So, while it might be tempting to overload on curry, or add a bit of extra turmeric spice into your meals each night, this study not does not currently suggest that regular consumption of turmeric would be beneficial for brain health. However, it does add to a growing body of literature which suggests that curcumin, another compound found in the turmeric plant, may play a role in reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s disease through its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-amyloid properties.

NEWS

This article is taken from an article by Ian McDonald, Dementia News#20, October 2014

GET IN FOR A BURGER IN NOVEMBER

Alzheimer’s ACT has again been accepted into the Local Matters program at Grill’d Belconnen for the month of November.

Grill’d has created Local Matters with the aim of supporting unsung heroes in the community rather than the big groups who always get the limelight.

Every month $500 will be split amongst 3 local groups. When you buy a burger at Grill’d you will be given a token to vote for your favourite community group.

We hope as many people as possible get down to Grill’d Belconnen to support Alzheimer’s Australia ACT.

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MAJOR RESEARCH STUDY‘SOLANEZUMAB VERSUS PLACEBO’

St Vincent’s Hospital in Melbourne is acting as the central coordinating centre for the global study: ‘Effect of Passive Immunization on the Progression of Mild Alzheimer’s Disease: Solanezumab (LY2062430) versus Placebo’. This is a major research study that will investigate whether an investigational medication called Solanezumab is safe for long term use and if it will slow the progression of symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease as compared to a placebo.

Solanezumab has been developed in a new class of drugs which has shown in previous human trials that it can slow down progression in people with a mild form of Alzheimer’s. Principal investigator, Associate Professor Steven Collins, from St Vincent’s Centre for Clinical Neurosciences and Neurological Research, said Solanezumab had the potential to be the first drug to alter the course of the currently untreatable disease.

Associate Professor Collins said the drug worked by attaching to the beta-amyloid plaques that accumulated in the brain and removed them from the body through normal clearing mechanisms, like it would do to clear bacteria or viruses.

St Vincent’s Hospital is currently looking for participants aged between 55 and 90 years who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and the study has some strict criteria for participants and more can be found out by visiting their website https://alzheimerstrials.svhm.org.au or by phoning their contact number (03) 9231 2333.

The study is expected to take up to two years to enrol patients and several years to complete. Recruitment in Australia will end in December.

NEWS

COPING WITH THE HOT WEATHER

Summer 2014 is predicted to be a hot one. It is important for carers and those with dementia to be aware of heat stress and plan ahead. Here are a few tips to help with the warm weather:

Advice for CarersThis advice is just as important if you care for an older family member, friend or neighbour. Remember that as a carer, if you don’t take care of yourself in hot weather you are putting your own health at risk as well as that of those you care for.

Plan AheadAsk a friend or family member to check on you twice a day if possible during hot weather, especially if you live alone. It is better for your friend or family member to come and see you as this will help them check for any changes to your physical condition. Make sure you have a phone that will work if there is a power failure. If you have a safety alarm pendant, make sure this will also work if the power is off. Know who to call if you need help. If you think your symptoms are serious call for an ambulance immediately on triple zero (000).

People living with dementia are susceptable to dehydration so it is important to keep up fluid intake. Avoid alcoholic, hot or sugary drinks (including tea and coffee) because they can make dehydration worse. Make ice cubes from water or cordial and suck on them.

Keep cool by using your air conditioner or put a bowl of ice cubes in front of a fan to create a cool breeze. Put your feet in a bowl of cool water.

Keep food safe when handling and storing to avoid the risk of food poisoning. Defrost food in the fridge rather than on the kitchen bench.

Eat smaller meals more often. Cold meals such as salads and fruit, help keep your water levels up and as you are not using your stove or oven your home will be cooler.

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BUNNINGS BBQ

STAFF NEWS

Our Fundraising Committee is holding a BBQ outside the Belconnen Bunnings store on Sunday, 14 December 2014. So come on down to pick up some plants or tools for all those jobs over Christmas and have a sausage sizzle.

MEET MICHEALALZHEIMER’S ACT NEW OFFICE MANAGER

MOSES CREATING FRIENDSHIPS AT ALZHEIMER’S ACT

Hello I am the new office manager. I am responsible for leading the adminstration team to ensure we provide quality services to all our consumers.

I am a new father with a six month old little girl called Charlotte who my life revolves around.

I came from Mercy Home and Community Care where I was the Team Leader for the office. We provided a wide range of care and nursing services to assist people to live a safe and independent life in their home and community.

I also currently work with the Australian Army Cadets as the Battalion Quartermaster. Before starting with Alzheimer’s Australia ACT I was away for 2 weeks with the Australian Army Cadets for a 2 week camp where I managed all of the logistical processes for one thousand teenagers.

I am really enjoying working with everyone and looking forward to many years of service with you all.

Hi I am Moses. Here at Alzheimer’s ACT I work in the Dementia Projects Area co-ordinating groups such as the Tuesday Men’s Social Support, Friday Alakara Group, Greening Australia and help out with other carer groups as needed.

I come from a background in community work in Africa where I worked specifically with clients with HIV. Before Alzheimer’s ACT I worked at Carers ACT where I was a Respite Links Co-ordinator.

I have been with Alzheimer’s ACT for 6 months now and have found the job extremely satisfying with each day being different. I have really enjoyed working with the team here with their professional and family-oriented approach of management.

In my spare time I play soccer and am still learning how to swim.

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FUNDRAISING

AN EVENING WITH ITA BUTTROSE

An Evening with Ita was held on Saturday, 18 October at The Ainslie Football Club.This was the first large fundraising event of this type held by Alzheimer’s ACT and what a successful and enjoyable evening it was.

The aim of the event was to raise vital funds for Alzheimer’s ACT to enable us to continue providing education and support for the growing number of Canberrans needing our assistance. The event was also an opportunity to spread awareness to people in the community, many of whom had not previously been aware of the work of Alzheimer’s ACT.

After months of preparation all the efforts of organisers resulted in a stunning evening which raised a record $37,000 for Alzheimer’s ACT. The sold-out event was attended by an interested and enthusiastic audience.

The event organisers were very fortunate in getting Sing Australia to perform at the beginning of the evening. It was also a nice opportunity for the choir to catch up with their Patron, Ita Buttrose.

ABC 666AM presenter, Alex Sloan conducted the interview with Ita which covered many aspects of Ita’s life and career. Ita also spoke of her involvement with Alzheimer’s Australia through her term as National President and now as National Ambassador, she continues to speak on issues around those living with dementia and their carers with great passion.

After the interview it was time to get down to the business side of the evening with the live and silent auction of items which were donated to Alzheimer’s ACT and sourced by the Helping Hands Group. The bidding was hot especially during the 65inch curved screen TV donated by ESP Solutions Group.

The guests enjoyed a delicious three course gourmet dinner and wine donated by Lambert Vineyards, a highly recommended local label.

Many people and organisations contributed to the success of the evening including:

Ita Buttrose, guest speaker

Alex Sloan, interviewer

Sir David Smith, Alzheimer’s Australia ACT Patron

The Alzheimer’s ACT Organising Committee: Greg Fraser, Trevor Wheeler, Jane Allen, Eileen McEntee, Judy Woolstencroft, Nikki Brown and Tegan McGrath

Corporate Tables: Canberra Southern Cross Club, CBRE, RSM Bird Cameron, Vincents Chartered Accountants, Mezzanine Financial, Griffin Legal

Donors and Sponsors: Ainslie Football Club, B Natural Productions, Lambert Vineyards, RMC Duntroon, Gary Humphries, Australian War Memorial, Maria Selleck Properties, Jet Flight Simulator, Club Lime, ACT Brumbies, Independent Property Group, Charcoal Restaurant, National Museum of Australia, The Wallabies, Biztech, Helping Hand Group, Parlour Wine Room, Courgette, Wild Duck Restaurant, Koula Notaras, Jeff & Meg Colwell, Allen Associates, Hang Ups Picture Framing, ESP Solutions Group, Amanda J Thoms-Westende.

Photos from Left to Right: Sing Australia Chor, Ita being interviewed by Alex Sloan, Auctioneer Peter Walker

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PHOTO ALBUM

An evening with Ita - Saturday, 18 October 2014From Top left: Steve Doszpot, Jane and Jim Allen; Ita Buttrose and Alex Sloan; Greg Fraser Alzheimer's Australia ACT Board Vice President; Bottom left: Bev Porteous, Eileen McEntee and Ian Porteous; Guests enjoying the evening; Sir David Smith, Alzheimer's Australia ACT Patron and Jane Allen, Alzheimer’s Australia ACT CEO.

From Top left: Al the Elephant hard at work in Garema Place with Alastair Coe; Colleen Duff speaking at the Dementia Friendly Communities presentation; Nutrition Australia demonstrating healthy cooking during Dementia Awareness Month; Spanish dancers perform at a Culturally & Linguistically Diverse event during September; Canberra Chordsmen perform for the Alakara Group; Larry Brandy an Indigenous story teller demonstrating an emu hunt with the Alakara Group.

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ALZHEIMER’S ACT EDUCATIONPROFESSIONAL EDUCATION, NOVEMBER 2014RSVP ESSENTIAL FOR ALL SESSIONS - CALL 6255 0722 OR EMAIL ACT.ADMIN@ALZHEIMERS.ORG.AU

Positive Dementia Care for Professional StaffInformation and tools to support and improve the quality of life for the person living with dementia. Date: Thurs, 27 NovCost: $50Time: 1.30pm - 4.30pmVenue: 159 Maribyrnong Avenue, Kaleen

Dementia Enabling Environment WorkshopA workshop to provide participants with information and practical ideas and strategies on how to design and foster a dementia-friendly environment - no matter what the design or structure of your building - old or new.Date: Tuesday, 25 November 2014Cost: $60Time: 9.30am - 12.30pmVenue: 159 Maribyrnong Avenue, Kaleen

NEW BOOKS IN THE ALZHEIMER’S ACT LIBRARY

The Simplicity of Dementia - A guide for family and carers by Huub BuijssenThe author provides a person-centred approach to discussing the experience of dementia and offers guidelines for family caregivers and professional carers. This jargon-free text includes the voices of relatives, people with dementia and nurses.

Dementia Beyond Drugs - Changing the Culture of Care by G. Allen Power, M.D.Shows why we must change the way care is provided to our elders and how it can be accomplished. Embracing humanistic, enlightened practices that address all the common challenges in dementia care, this book reveals what it takes to effect real culture change within residential care settings while reducing the administration of unnecessary psychotropic drugs.

Chicken Soup for the Soul – Living with Alzheimer’s & Other Dementias byAmy Newmark and Angela Timashenka Geige101 stories of caregiving, coping and compassionSupport, advice and comfort for caregivers and those living with Alzheimer’s. Chapters include ‘Accepting a New Reality’, What Does It feel Like?’, ‘Strategies and Tips for Coping’, ‘Next Steps and Tough Choices’.

Alzheimer’s disease – 300 tips for making life easier by Patricia R. Callone and othersA guide filled with tips and techniques that will help families, friends, and caregivers assist individuals with Alzheimer’s disease. It also offers practical advice on how to cope with the personality and behavioural changes that occur throughout the disease’s progression.

NEWS

Knock, KnockWho’s There?HannahHannah WhoHanna Partridge in a Pear Tree!

2 12 DECEMBER 2014

Never a Christmas morning, never an old year ends,but someone thinks of someone;old days, old times old friends.

Author: unknown

The office of Alzheimer’s Australia ACT will be closed from Thursday, 25 December 2014 and reopens 9.00am Monday, 5 January 2015

NATIONAL DEMENTIA HELPLINE

1800 100 500

MEMBERS’ AND CLIENTS’ CHRISTMAS PARTYYou are invited to join in the fun at Alzheimer’s Australia ACT 2014 Christmas Party.

There will be music, dancing, delicious lunch, fun and prizes and loads of holiday cheer. Be there for the drawing of our special Christmas Raffle.

DATE: Tuesday, 9 December 2014

WHERE: Ainslie Football Club, Wakefield Avenue, Ainslie

TIME: 11.00am - 1.30pm

COST: $25 per person

RSVP: by 2 December 2014 - please phone 6255 0722 (payment required on booking) Transport not provided. Please let us know any special dietary requirements.

Q. Why is Santa a good race car driver?A. Because he is always in pole position.

Q. What do you get when Santa goes down the chimney when the fire is lit?A. Crisp Cringle.

Q. What do Elfs learn at school?A. The Elf- abet.

Q. What type of pizza does Good King Wenscales order?A. Deep pan, crisp and even.

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM ALZHEIMER’S ACT

HO, HO, HO, CHRISTMAS BON BON JOKES