GIVING HOPE: Three seniors told of how shock at their diagnoses led to deterioration, but seeking out activity, community and acceptance has helped them thrive
Taipei Times
Date: Dec 29, 2018
By: Jake Chung / Staff writer, with CNA
The Taiwan Catholic Foundation of Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementia has
Lin Tien-fa, left, who earned a master’s degree after being diagnosed with dementia, speaks at a news conference on Sunday in Taipei. Photo: CNA
released three videos showing how people with dementia and their families have gone from feeling lost to accepting treatment and living full lives.
Benign interaction with friends and family could help patients change their perspective on their condition and help ameliorate the symptoms of dementia, foundation CEO Teng Shih-hsiung (鄧世雄) said.
One of the videos features 91-year-old Lin Tien-fa (林添發), whose family noticed that his condition began with forgetting his hat or documents, until he even forgot his friend’s phone number while dialing, said Lin’s daughter-in-law, Yang Chun-cha (楊春茶).
The family took Lin to see a doctor, who about 17 years ago diagnosed him with dementia, Yang said, adding that at the time of his diagnosis, Lin’s mental facilities regressed to the equivalent of a seven-year-old. [FULL STORY]
