Gail aims to set record straight about Alzheimer's disease
THERE are a number of popular misconceptions surrounding Alzheimer's disease and dementia. The first is that it's a natural consequence of ageing – it isn't. The second is that absent-mindedness and forgetfulness are early symptoms – they aren't necessarily. The third is that it is not a terminal illness – it is.
One woman who is trying to combat misconceptions about Alzheimer's and support sufferers and their families is Gail Waddington, manager of the Calderdale branch of the Alzheimer's Society.
The candour of author Terry Pratchett, who has a form of the disease, and TV presenter Fiona Phillips, who spoke about her own parents' battles with the condition, are helping to raise awareness and put Alzheimer's on the agenda.
"I do think there has been a big change in recent years in terms of public awareness and understanding of Alzheimer's though there is still a long way to go. I compare it with how cancer used to be regarded in the 1950s and '60s – people knew about it but didn't like to talk about it openly.
"Slowly it changed for cancer and it is changing for Alzheimer's too," said Gail.
The branch provides one-to-one support to sufferers, families and carers and is assisted by grant funding. But its work could be jeopardised unless more money is found to guarantee the future of its vital services.
"We are only able to help a tiny percentage of the people affected by dementia in Calderdale," said Gail. "The services we have introduced are popular and well-supported but we need to secure them and expand them so that more people can benefit."
The branch needs volunteers who are prepared to help raise funds and hold anything from coffee mornings to sponsored walks.
"It doesn't have to be a big event to be successful," said Gail. "Pub quizzes and music evenings can sometimes raise as much money as a grander event.
"We would also love to hear from companies who are prepared to adopt us as their 'charity of the year' or do anything at all to enable us to keep providing a lifeline for local people affected by dementia."
Gail fears that the Alzheimer's Society struggles to capture the public imagination and raise money when compared to 'sexier' charities.
"We don't look after fluffy bunnies or photogenic cute babies but an awful lot of people are touched by Alzheimer's or have experience of it. It is a very cruel condition and a very isolating one. It is tied up with identity and a person's sense of who they are so a lot of the stigma surrounding Alzheimer's is associated with fear of losing our identity."
The Calderdale branch has been actively involved in setting up a fortnightly cafe where dementia sufferers and their carers can meet, enjoy each other's company and relax in a social setting.
"A social life is often the first thing to suffer when a person develops Alzheimer's or becomes a carer for someone with Alzheimer's.
"We are trying to provide an opportunity for people to meet up, provide peer support and enjoy a normal, everyday activity like going out for a coffee," said Gail.
The branch also promotes the Calderdale Memory Walk which is held at Ogden Water near Halifax every autumn and has a number of routes for walkers of different abilities.
With more people living longer, into their 80s and 90s, the number of Alzheimer's sufferers is expected to rise by almost 30 per cent in the next 20 years putting added pressure on services and support groups.
"But we need to get across the message that Alzheimer's should not be regarded as a normal part of the ageing process – it is a progressive illness which presents specific challenges," said Gail.
Laura Able of Calderdale Community Forum said: "The Alzheimer's Society in Calderdale provides services which are going to become increasingly important in the future. It is essential that it is supported as it provides people with a choice and adapts flexibly to meet people's needs."
It is tied up with identity and a person’s sense of who they are so a lot of the stigma surrounding Alzheimer’s is associated with fear of losing our identity.”
The Calderdale branch has been actively involved in setting up a fortnightly cafe where dementia sufferers and their carers can meet, enjoy each other’s company and relax in a social setting.
“A social life is often the first thing to suffer when a person develops Alzheimer’s or becomes a carer for someone with Alzheimer’s.
“We are trying to provide an opportunity for people to meet up, provide peer support and enjoy a normal, everyday activity like going out for a coffee,” said Gail.
The branch also promotes the Calderdale Memory Walk which is held at Ogden Water near Halifax every autumn and has a number of routes for walkers of different abilities.
With more people living longer, into their 80s and 90s, the number of Alzheimer’s sufferers is expected to rise by almost 30 per cent in the next 20 years putting added pressure on services and support groups.
“But we need to get across the message that Alzheimer’s should not be regarded as a normal part of the ageing process – it is a progressive illness which presents specific challenges,” said Gail.
Laura Able of Calderdale Community Forum said: “The Alzheimer’s Society in Calderdale provides services which are going to become increasingly important in the future. It is essential that it is supported as it provides people with a choice and adapts flexibly to meet people’s needs.”
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Wednesday 23 May 2012
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