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New Start gives new hope to those affected by Alzheimer’s
Tuesday September 2 2008
By RICHARD VIVIAN Banner Staff Writer
 
Terry McAuliffe was growing increasingly irritable and angry. Last fall, with prompting from his family, he went to see a doctor about his disposition.
He learned two important things during that appointment: he is in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease and there are several things he can do to help himself.
In addition to taking medication, the Orangeville man is now more attentive to his physical health, eating better and participating in the Alzheimer Society of Dufferin County’s New Start program.
“Since I’ve joined the group I’ve come on so great — it’s incredible,” he tells The Banner. “I’m back to doing everything I used to do prior to being diagnosed.”
The New Start program is for people in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease and other related dementia. Members meet once a month at the Orangeville and District Seniors Centre to discuss, among other things, their reaction to being diagnosed, the frustrations they’re experiencing and how to take back some of the control they may feel has been lost.
“We talk a lot about emotions, sometimes the grief that comes,” says Ann Bogue, the Dufferin society’s education co-ordinator. “In all cases, it’s usually trumped by the laughter that we have at the meetings.”
The New Start group currently has six members.
McAuliffe says he was slipping into depression before seeking treatment. He was isolating himself from the world and wanted to do little more than lounge on the couch.
At first he says he didn’t accept his diagnosis, but now has a rosier outlook on his situation and looks forward to the support groups meetings.
Having a place to speak openly about what he’s going through has been beneficial, he says.
“It’s not just the doctor helping, it’s people around you,” McAuliffe says.
Sid Gordon also participates in the New Start program. He agrees it’s helpful to talk openly about what’s happening, despite his refusal to accept the doctor’s diagnosis.
He says his doctor determined he suffers from a “very mild” form of vascular dementia — not enough oxygen is getting to his brain. Nonetheless, he feels it’s been beneficial to participate in the support group.
“I can voice my opinion and ... it’s not going to go any further,” Gordon says, adding he feels better about his situation and enjoys getting out of the house.
He says he particularly enjoys “the social aspect of it.”
For more information about the Alzheimer’s Society of Dufferin County or the New Start program, or to make a donation, contact Ann Bogue at 519-941-1211.
In preparation for World Alzheimer’s Day Sept. 21, the Dufferin society is hosting a slew of fundraisers leading up to a large Coffee Break event at Alexandria Park on Orangeville’s Second Street Sept. 20.