Letters – Summer 2018

Here’s what some readers had to say about our spring issue.

Hello Lisa,

I have just had the opportunity to peruse the recent edition of Dementia Connections magazine. It is, as with previous editions, astoundingly good!

I trust that you feel a tremendous amount of pride in the quality of the magazine and the impact it is having on supporting individuals and families affected by dementia. It is also, of course, a great resource for providers.

Through this publication, you are having a tremendously positive impact on the awareness, services, supports and peace of mind for many Calgarians and beyond.

Kind regards,
Mike Conroy
President & CEO,
The Brenda Strafford Foundation Ltd.

Hi Lisa,

Just came across your magazine. What a nice production and valuable resource to have!

Thank you.
Jackie Evans

Hi Lisa,

I am the new Director of Operations for Health Link and I wanted to reach out and thank you for the Dementia Connections magazines sent to me. It is a wonderful magazine and I appreciate your mentioning the 811 Dementia Advice line in it. Health Link would like to reach as many people as possible who need assistance navigating with their loved ones through the dementia journey.

Kindest regards,
Tricia Chambers RN, DC, MN
Director of Operations, Health Link,
Alberta Health Services

Hi Lisa,

Thank you so much for the initiative to provide the information found in the latest edition of Dementia Connections (Summer 2018). The personal stories were very touching and informative. The Resource List will be invaluable in the near future, as I will be needing the services listed there for my wife. In connection with the Resource List, one of the columns is entitled “Care Approach,” with the various choices available. Would it be possible to have a future article (or several) describing the differences and similarities of the approaches? How are each of them different in theory and how does that theory play out in actual practice for the patients with dementia? Are some approaches better for certain types of dementia or Alzheimer’s?

Peter Baljeu

Hello Lisa,

My biggest compliments on your high-quality and relevant publication! I’m so impressed with the publication, especially the personal perspective and focus on quality of life for both people living with dementia and for their loved ones, as well as being a wonderful source of information.

Ms. Annette Meeuwse, 
RN, BSN, MaOL
Director of Care
Dementia Programs, Extendicare

Dear Lisa,

My husband and my story begins with a real challenge at obtaining a diagnosis in the beginning. He and I pursued unsuccessfully for some time with his GP a diagnosis that explained the changes we were seeing. Finally, in September 2015, John was diagnosed with FTD, an early-onset dementia.

We’ve since tried to pull together other families similarly impacted with an aim to establish early-onset programming, training and supports that are virtually non-existent in our community. I’d like John to benefit, while he still can, from programming that is stimulating and challenging for him. He played competitive soccer until August 2017, until he couldn’t remember his position or direction to kick the ball.

We are doing everything humanly possible to delay the progression of this neurological disorder. We’d like the government and service providers to increase their efforts similarly. We’ve got a report, based on focus groups, and are building an action plan.

Thank you.
Danielle Barrette-Marcuccio
Ottawa, Ontario

Share your story with us at feedback@dementiaconnections.ca