Join Alzheimer’s Speaks Radio Tuesday Learn about the Play “Cracked – New Light on Dementia” Plus Memory/Alzheimer’s Cafes

Join Alzheimer’s Speaks Radio Tuesday

11am EST, 10am CST, 9am MST, 8am PST and 4pm London Time

Learn about the Play “Cracked – New Light on Dementia”

Here is trailer on the play.

Our guest to discuss the play “Cracked” are Sherry Dupuis , Julia Gray and Mary Ellen MacLean from the play “CRACKED.”

The play is an innovative research-based theatre production that casts a critical light on society’s one-dimensional view of dementia as an unmitigated tragedy. The play raises questions about the predominant discourse of loss that defines current conceptions of dementia, and the dehumanizing care practices that still prevail in institutional care settings. Inspired in part by Leonard Cohen’s words in Anthem, the play is intended to inspire alternative ways of seeing persons with dementia, instill the importance of maintaining strong relationships with them, and reinforce the imperative for good ethical care.

The play is based on research conducted by Drs. Sherry Dupuis, Gail Mitchell, Pia Kontos, and Christine Jonas-Simpson, all of whom are health researchers who specialize in the areas of aging, dementia, and research-based drama as a powerful catalyst for culture change. Developed collaboratively with a group of artists, persons with dementia, and their families Cracked is grounded in the idea that relationships must be front and centre when providing care for persons with dementia, memory in all of its forms must be valorized, self-expression must be nurtured, and the humanity of those who are living with dementia must be fully supported. Video created by Anthony Grani.

The second half of our show we will be talking with Jytte Lokvig and Carole Larkin on Memory and Alzheimer’s Cafes.

Jytte Lokvig grew up in Copenhagen, Denmark. She’s an artist, educator and counselor. Since 1994, Dr. Lokvig has worked with the elderly, especially those with severe memory loss. Her books, workshops and training programs have helped numerous families and caregivers develop better approaches and skills, improving the lives of everyone involved. In 2008 Dr. Lokvig opened the first Alzheimer’s Café in the northern hemisphere. The Santa Fe, NM café set the standard known as the American Model of the Alzheimer’s Café. These cafés honor the whole person, dementia and all, but are focused on the emotional and social needs of everyone.

Carole Larkin MA, CMC, CAEd, DCP, QDCS, EICS is a nationally known expert in Alzheimer’s and related Dementias care. She is a Certified Geriatric Care Manager who specializes in helping families with Alzheimer’s and related dementias issues. She consults with families on the telephone and in person, on family problems related to the dementias. She trains caregivers in person and via video. One of her training videos is on You Tube. Other videos are on the videos page of her company’s website.