New device helping families cope with Alzheimer's
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Updated: 8:14 PM Dec 22, 2008
New device helping families cope with Alzheimer's
Right now, almost 10-million people are taking care of a loved one with Alzheimer's or another form of dementia without any financial support.
Posted: 6:47 PM Dec 22, 2008
Reporter: Maureen McFadden
Email Address: maureen.mcfadden@wndu.com
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Right now, almost 10-million people are taking care of a loved one with Alzheimer's or another form of dementia without any financial support.

Many do not know where to turn for answers.

But a new tool puts them in touch with helping hands.

Last year, the doctor confirmed the news Iraida Garcia and her mother feared.

"He says, 'It's dementia.' My God, we got goose bumps," Iraida explains.

She had the most common form of dementia -- Alzheimer's disease. Iraida gave up her full-time job to become a caregiver. With two grandchildren under her wing, it is overwhelming.

"If I said that it's not, I would be lying," Iraida says.

When times get tough, help is within reach.

As part of a new study at the University of Miami, Iraida uses a video phone to find answers to her most difficult questions.

My mother is repeating the same thing constantly, so I emphasize on that," says Iraida

She accesses videos featuring experts and has one-on-one counseling sessions.

"They learn about how to take better care of themselves, things like how to communicate better with health care professionals," explains Professor Sara J. Czaja, of the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine.

80-percent of Alzheimer's caregivers say they usually feel very stressed. Almost half are depressed.

"Many times, caregivers become socially isolated."

The project connects caregivers by setting up support groups.

"There are six caregivers on the video screen, and they can talk to each other without having to leave their homes," says Professor Czaja of the video screen system.

iraida has had her phone for four months.

"This program has helped me immensely," she admits.

Now, she is more confident about caring for her family.

The video phone is offered in three languages -- English, Spanish and Creole.



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