Dementia:The Black Hole and Aspects of Being A Carer

Our 1st guest in Eileen Smith, from New Zealand.  She is a wife, Carer and Author of "The Black Hole,"  a book about Early Onset Alzheimer's disease.

Eileen's husband was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 2001, at age 54. After his diagnosis Eileen spent 8 years on the local Alzheimer's Board plus 3 on Alzheimer’s New Zealand board.

Eileen is a strong and sometimes outspoken advocate for young onset Alzheimer's and more especially spent a lot of time lobbying for subsidies on anticholinesterase inhibitors (Aricept, Exelon).

In 2011 Eileen retired from work and has recently published a book telling of the last 12 years caring for Ray and the challenges that they faced, specifically related top young onset Alzheimers.

Why do we need to build awareness especially around Younger Onset?

What do carers need to know at the start of their journey?

What could we do better for people in this situation?

How do we as carers move forward when the partner goes into care?

You can contact Eileen at

www.YoungOnsetAlzheimers.com

Our 2nd Guest will be Jan Hughes will discuss he differences and similarities to giving care.Jan is Care Partner for her Husband Michael.  Jan believes when you've met one Caregiver, you've met just that, one Caregiver. 

This will be a very interesting disucssion and we would love you to join the conversation with both women!