prognosis and treatment options.
but may reflect differing genetic susceptibility
or interaction with other pathology such as
cerebrovascular disease. The course of these
forms of AD may also vary but eventually, as
the pathology becomes more widespread,
most people with AD develop features of
each of these AD forms. Treatment may
vary- for instance speech pathology may assist
logopenic aphasia- but the cholinesterase
inhibitors are appropriate first line
pharmacological therapy for each form.
Qld Health
Dementia (YOD) Facebook support group
which helps lessen the sense of isolation,
misunderstanding and fear of many relatively
young people diagnosed with dementia
worldwide.
dementia can feel particularly isolated. One
avenue available to assist them to connect
with others is via Facebook. Useful for people
around the globe, this tool allows users to:
identify people experiencing similar things,
whom they can contact openly or privately;
gain easy access to YOD related newsfeeds;
gain support in relation to queries; give voice to
feelings and thoughts.
an effective means of supporting people living
with YOD. This group is often comfortable with
`aged care', `memory clinic' and `old timer's
disease'. Facebook provides an accessible
option for linking people. Utilisation statistics
show posts are typically seen widely within
a short space of time, providing an excellent
opportunity to disseminate information
effectively. Posts by `friends' of the page reach
a wide audience from which peer support can
be achieved promptly. Users can also elect to
private message each other if they wish.
powerful communication tool. The Facebook
`Young Onset Dementia Support Group Qld'
page is a means readily available to assist
people with YOD to establish age appropriate,
`on the same page' support.
Educator, Central Gippsland Institute of TAFE
benefits of introducing a therapeutic drumming
program into the lives of people mainly
living with younger onset dementia in the
community who are at risk of social isolation.
This Department of Health and Aging funded
project aims to replicate the findings of a
similar project we conducted for people living
with dementia in a residential environment.
process, combining fun and rhythm,
engagement and gratification whilst being
active members of a group, thus building social
relationships.
emotion, creating a sense of belonging and
community connectedness. It has been