Iowa State University Extension

Problem:
An estimated 5,000,000 Americans suffer from Alzheimers - a progressive, debilitating and eventually fatal illness of the neuro-system. It can affect people in their late 40's but is more common in those 65 and older.

An informal survey of care centers in Mason City indicated three out of every five admissions have some form of diagnosed dementia. Caring for one individual costs from $18,000 to $72,000, depending on the stage of the disease. It is estimated that one to four family members act as caregivers for EACH individual with Alzheimer's Disease. The stress, frustration, emotional and physical toll of the caregiver is high. 60% of caregivers are clinically depressed and use prescription drugs for anxiety, depression and insomnia at a rate of 2-3 times that of the average population. 50% of caregivers do not have outside help. Most of the conferences held about Alzheimers are meant for professional or semi-professionals who work with Alzheimers patients and not really meant for the layperson.

Response:
ISU Extension, along with four community agencies, held their annual Caregiver's Conference on April 15, 2009. Topics for this year's conference were: Tips for effective interaction with Dementia patients, Medications used in treating Dementia: What's current, what's new? Dealing with mobility issues: how to move a person, and Discussion: Real caregivers, real problems, real answers. The conference started at 5 pm with a meal provided by Good Shepherd Care Center. Adult day care was provided by the Salvation Army.

Impact:
79 people participated in the conference with most being caregivers - either spouses or children of Alzheimers patients.  Eight presenters presented the topics with question and answer times after each speaker.

51 evaluations were returned. The majority heard about the conference through their support groups, by word of mouth, or the conference brochure. Fifty said they would attend another conference. Three caregivers utilized the services of the Adult Day Care and rated the service as "Very Satisfactory". When asked what they will do differently because of the conference, comments included:
- Be more patient.
- Join a support group.
- Be more active in my support group.
- Remember not to argue with the person with Dementia.
- Use a gate belt. Get more help when I need it.
- Speak to other family members about what I'm experiencing.
- Keep learning about this disease.

Fifty rated the conference as "Excellent". 42 responded that they thought each speaker was "wonderful" and that they were very easy to understand and gave them very practical, easy to understand information. This "Caregiver Coalition" plans on providing a conference dealing with Dementia related illnesses again next year.

Contact:
Janet Brown
Cerro Gordo County Extension
2023 S. Federal Ave
Mason City, ia 50401
641-423-0844
jmbrown@iastate.edu